B is for belonging
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There’s a recurring conversation out there about the “real” entrepreneurs, the real value creators. It often pits so-called transformational (high growth potential) founders against subsistence (solopreneurs or self-employed) entrepreneurs.
Whilst transformational entrepreneurs are driven by business opportunities, subsistence entrepreneurs are seeking an alternative source of (better) employment. Though evidence suggests that subsistence entrepreneurship is rarely a step towards transformational entrepreneurship, what remains true is that each venture created changes lives by providing employment. And every entrepreneur, regardless of their individual measures of ability, motivation, and personal characteristics, deserves support.
Understanding the key differences between these two types of entrepreneurs means we can better design support systems and policies that respond to their unique abilities, aspirations and needs whilst providing a more inclusive definition of entrepreneurship.
