Recipient TidBits - What Does Entrepreneurship Mean To You?

As part of their participation in the Business Vitality Seed Fund, we asked each of our recipients a series of questions to get their view on entrepreneurship, the Seed Fund process, and other entrepreneurial related TidBits. The following is their answers to the question: what does entrepreneurship mean to you?

Five by Five Tonics

"In my opinion, the entrepreneur is characterized by one trait: bravery.  It doesn’t take outstanding intelligence, or loads of money to call oneself an entrepreneur.  It does however take the ability to push forward amid unknowns.  People do not set out to become entrepreneurs.  Rather, they one day find themselves in that roll.  Entrepreneurship involves the simple act of believing in an idea and seeing a dimly lit path ahead and choosing to follow the path even if you aren’t sure where it leads."  

For more on Five by Five Tonics, see our blog post on them here!

Social High Rise

"Entrepreneurship is the idea that you can work hard and create something of value out of nothing. It's a big part of the DNA that our country was founded on and is what I consider the American dream. Entrepreneurs are the job creators, and are the largest contributing factor to a growing and vibrant economy. They take on huge risks, face countless obstacles, persevere, exert ambitious effort, and tirelessly work to create a better world around them. I love that idea, and it's why I consider it a privilege to call myself an entrepreneur. 

Every day I get to work with a talented team. We get to tackle new problems, learn to be smarter, help clients succeed, and build a company that we are passionate about. It's both challenging and rewarding at the same time. #businessing"

For more on Social High Rise, see our blog post on them here!

Upper Park Designs

"Entrepreneurship means focus, drive, and passion. It means being creative by solving problems and being resilient by not giving up when things don't work the first time. You are forced to wear many different hats and in a way that is important to understanding the needs of a business.  

I think many underestimate the time involved in being an entrepreneur. People say entrepreneurship is being your own boss and you can take vacations whenever you want. While that is right in part, you are really a constant employee of your business. There is enjoyment that comes from creating something new, taking an idea and making it real, and simply doing something different than a majority of people. 

Being an entrepreneur is a lifestyle. At times it can be stressful but there is nothing like starting every day with a purpose."

Three Sixty Ecotique

"We are not gonna lie, being entrepreneurs is the hardest thing we have ever done.  Honestly, it is a lot like parenthood, and your business is your baby.  This baby demands late nights, constant attention, patience, tact, it’s extremely expensive, and sometimes it throws up on you, sort of.  You never stop thinking/worrying about your business/baby, even when your not there.  

As difficult as it may be, entrepreneurship is extremely rewarding and fun!  Being an entrepreneur gives you complete artistic control and a chance to chase your passions.   You are able to surround yourself everyday with like-minded people, truly test your limits, learn your strengths and weaknesses, and like your child, watch it grow.  Walking into a space we have completely created is the most beautiful way to start the day.  Besides, social lives are over rated."