November is National Entrepreneurship Month. It’s a time dedicated to celebrating entrepreneurs, innovations, and economic growth in our country. Introduced by President Obama in 2011, National Entrepreneurship Month’s sole focus isn’t celebrating entrepreneurs, it is also focused on cultivating entrepreneurs through mentorship opportunities.
We all know that starting a business is no easy feat. Successful entrepreneurs are careful in their decision to start businesses. They study the market, find gaps, and understand the wants, needs, and buying behavior of their target market. But even then, success isn’t guaranteed. This is why National Entrepreneurship Month is important – it celebrates the risks taken by entrepreneurs to start businesses and provides the opportunity for resource sharing to ensure success.
So, how can you participate in celebrating National Entrepreneurship Month?
1. Show support
The easiest way to support entrepreneurs is to purchase their goods or make use of their services. You can support small businesses in your town or city by simply shopping there.
If you need some inspiration for small businesses to support, have a look at our list of local, Black-owned businesses, run by some of our very own Bennett Belles!
Support doesn’t begin and end with a purchase. If you’re happy with your product or service from a small business, spread the word and recommend that small business, or entrepreneur, to others. This can be in the form of word-of-mouth compliments, posting on social media channels, or even leaving reviews on the business webpage. This simple action goes a very long way!
2. Connect with entrepreneurs online
There are many resources (websites, service providers, social media channels) that can help you find small businesses. Nowadays, it’s very rare for small businesses or entrepreneurs to not have a social media presence to promote their business.
A simple follow or like on their social media channels is a great way to support entrepreneurs (and it doesn’t cost anything).
Look for the small business you recently supported on your most frequently used social media channel. That way, you can stay up to date with them, their products and services, and support them in the future.
3. Start your own business
Have you ever considered starting your own business? If you have, then National Entrepreneurship Month is the perfect time to start thinking about your plan of action! With the help of successful entrepreneurs willing to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs and the plethora of resources available to you online, your dream business could become a reality. If you have the ambition and resources to get it off the ground, the risk can be so rewarding.
Your business could help create jobs which in turn drives the economy. It could also foster a sense of community among people with common goals, contributing to both social and economic development within communities.
4. Become a mentor
If you’ve already started your business and it’s shown to be successful, how about becoming a mentor to new entrepreneurs? The knowledge you’ve gained could be of great value to new entrepreneurs, even if you don’t have years of experience.
Your story (how you started, what obstacles you faced, and how you overcame them) could very well provide a valuable lesson to budding entrepreneurs. And while challenges are inevitable, your courageousness could inspire an entrepreneur to remain positive should they face similar challenges in the future.
But being a mentor doesn’t have to be a one-on-one affair. There are different ways you can share your knowledge with newbies. Starting a blog or even sharing an informative LinkedIn could be of value to anyone who is seeking guidance to starting their own business. If you’re able to donate to or invest in a small business you love, don’t hesitate to do so.
5. Build a network
An entrepreneur’s success is seldomly a result of his own work and no one else’s. Even if they work alone, an entrepreneur usually relies on other people to help make that work possible.
When you build a network of like-minded businesses, entrepreneurs, and supporters of entrepreneurs, you open yourself up to connections that could assist you in achieving success. Whether it be college students looking for a mentor, already successful business owners willing to share their knowledge, local congress members looking to support entrepreneurial ventures, or potential investors, you may find value in connecting with them.
Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or supporter of small businesses, try your best to get involved with National Entrepreneurship Month this November!
