Being an entrepreneur is a way of life. Many of the entrepreneurs inherit this way of life from their families, and so did I – my father has worked hard as an entrepreneur for his entire life. I have witnessed the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial path. He might stumble and fall, but always finds his way to get up and move forward. He has been a true entrepreneur.
The coronavirus has brought major challenges for entrepreneurs. Business stopped completely in many industries. We have seen struggles and bankruptcies, but also the witnessed great power of entrepreneurship. In 2020, entrepreneurs started 38 500 new businesses (source: Finnish Patent and Registration Office). This is almost 250 more than the year before.
In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, entrepreneurs did something that is at the very heart of entrepreneurship: they discovered new solutions, tried new things and took risks. Finding a new path and discovering new ways of doing things are common cliches related to entrepreneurship. The coronavirus has shown that actually there is nothing cliche about them.
Finding a new path and discovering new ways of doing things are common cliches related to entrepreneurship. The coronavirus has shown that actually there is nothing cliche about them.
When we talk about entrepreneurship, I think it is important to focus on what entrepreneurship can offer to the people curious about it. We are well aware of the risks and bureaucracy related to entrepreneurship – this is the side of entrepreneurship that the Finns are very familiar with.
Instead of just warning about the risks, we need to encourage all curious about entrepreneurship to take the first step in their path. We need to ensure that especially young people interested in entrepreneurship realise the potential of becoming a future entrepreneur. We need role models and stories about both succeeding and failing. Stories about people who have created, learned and tried something new.
Instead of just warning about the risks, we need to encourage all curious about entrepreneurship to take the first step in their path.
At its best, your own business is not only a way to earn a living, but also a way to express yourself. It is an opportunity to do something that you are passionate about and that you find truly meaningful.
At my work, I have seen many kinds of entrepreneurial stories and paths. All of them are equally valuable. We often talk about startups that tackle climate change or come up with a revolutionary innovation or product. These of course deserve all the hype, but we need to give recognition also to the smaller businesses in more traditional industries and entrepreneurs that solve smaller everyday challenges. They also do an excellent job, work hard to serve customers and see opportunities in new situations. I am so grateful that I can support these entrepreneurs through my work.
Maria Ihalainen
Sales Manager at Elo