A new survey from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) shows that, if given the opportunity to start over, 84 per cent of British Columbia entrepreneurs would choose the same career path.
It should come as no surprise then that 81 per cent of BC business owners would recommend small business ownership as a career option for young people. Unfortunately, business owners’ comments all point to the same common denominator: Schools are not promoting entrepreneurship as a career option. “Schools are set up for kids to start a career, not start a business,” said one small business owner.
And, according to CFIB research, the education system hasn’t fully embraced entrepreneurship as a viable career option for young people, with 56 per cent of business owners indicating that they did not feel as though there was enough of an emphasis on starting a business as a career option in schools today. “Given the many opportunities and rewards that entrepreneurship has to offer, it is only natural that business owners would recommend it as a career option and believe that schools should do more to encourage it,” reasoned CFIB’s vice-president of research, Doug Bruce.
CFIB Sr. VP of Research and Western Canada, Laura Jones, was also quick to point out that 92 per cent of business owners indicate running a business is a rewarding career. “Entrepreneurs are happy to go to work every day because they have the freedom to be their own bosses and tailor their line of work toward their own strengths and interests,” she explained. Adding, “If entrepreneurial skills and aptitudes were sufficiently encouraged in the education system, the next generation of business owners would be in for a great career which not only permits them to build on their talent and expertise, but also fulfills them personally and professionally as well.”
Entrepreneurs have no regrets is the second in a series of short reports on entrepreneurship. The series commemorates CFIB’s 40th anniversary and celebrates 2011 as the federally designated Year of the Entrepreneur. To view the report, please visit www.cfib.ca