Being an entrepreneur is, by definition, difficult, as it involves running your own company. But, who is an entrepreneur? Anybody can be an entrepreneur? An entrepreneur is an autonomous worker who is not employed by or subject to the direction of others and pursues an organised economic activity to produce and trade goods and services.  This definition comprises numerous factors such as hard work, effort and concentration, but also satisfaction, happiness, self-esteem and personal pride. 

There are many ways to become an entrepreneur. Some are born into a family of entrepreneurs, others become convinced with experience over the years or through study, others again are not fulfilled if the fruit of their work does not mature every day before their very eyes and they can enjoy this success at first hand. Finally, some are prepared to face the risk of a complex but incredibly fascinating challenge.

A single path that leads to a winning business idea cannot be determined a priori. It depends on many factors: the maturity of the sector, the presence of powerful and well-positioned competitors, the segmentation of a given market, the level of product innovation. Above all, however, careful and structured planning is essential, beginning with serious self-assessment to discover if you have the qualities needed, such as a spirit of initiative, relational skills, a willingness to risk, lateral thinking, tenacity and intuition. 

The business idea does not necessarily need to be original or innovative, even if these factors certainly help. It is more important that the idea is well-structured, technically possible and economically sustainable. Often, a simple intuition is enough to turn what until then had been a subject of study or an interest into a job, a source of income and a means of self-realisation.

The most important task before starting a business is the preparation of a business plan, a document drafted according to generally pre-determined rules providing an as detailed as possible series of forecasts regarding the form and organisation of the company, the product to be sold and how it will be made, the competitive advantages, the market positioning, the competitors, the customers and suppliers, and the economic fundamentals regarding value and cash-flow. An in-depth assessment of these aspects can be decisive in terms of feasibility and may facilitate new entrepreneurs’ relations with banks, venture capitalists, possible trading and industrial partners, and potential new associates.. The challenge is demanding, but there is someone who can help you to win.

WHERE TO START?

 TECHNOLOGY PARKS AND COMPANY INCUBATORS

Area Science Park

Campus d’Impresa

Innovation Factory

Gorizia - TechnoArea

Friuli Innovazione – Centro di Ricerca e Trasferimento Tecnologico

Incubatori FVG

Polo Tecnologico Andrea Galvani – Pordenone

FAB - Pordenone

H-Farm - Treviso

Inkubator - Sežana

Primorski tehnološki park – Nova Gorica

UIP - Univerzitetni razvojni center in inkubator Primorske - Koper

 OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

 Start Cup FVG

Progetto Imprenderò

Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Law No. 18 of 9 August 2005, articles 29-33 and 48 contributions to facilitate the start-up pf new business activities

Special Company ARIES – CCIAA Trieste

Cliclavoro – Ministry of Employment and Social Policy: Business Incubators

Crowdsourcing