"Cultivating Entrepreneurship" by Stephen Barrington

Entrepreneurship comes from within and yet like learning a foreign language, it must be cultivated. I imagine we all know those individuals that have always seemed to stand out in an ‘entrepreneurial’ type of way, through work and life itself. I am also quite certain that we know many more that have taken the business ownership plunge and yet are entrepreneurial-challenged. Entrepreneurship is less about change and risk-abundance and more about “seeking better, seeking new” and calculated risks. It is not about being a business owner, it is about the individual.

Let’s cultivate our future employees and employers - today’s younger student. Capital Area (Johnston and Wake counties) have 207 public schools and 175,563 students. The student population alone would be the 7th largest municipality in NC based on 7/1/2009 figures. These students make up not only our future workforce, but future employers as well. It is incumbent upon us to collectively provide education and training necessary to strengthen Capital Area, be engaged in curriculum development, provide internships, mentorships, and more. Many of these students will be employed in new occupations that do not exist today. Are we cultivating an environment conducive to entrepreneurship for our students?

It is evident that business ownership is strong in Capital Area. Between January 1, 2010 and November 30, 2010, 13,520 businesses incorporated via the NC Secretary of State’s Office in Capital Area while 1,787 filed for withdrawal or dissolution of their incorporated status. Capital Area has a net 11,733 new incorporated businesses (for-profit and not-for-profit). It is essential that we nurture and cultivate business owners to compete in our global economy and to further develop the area’s brand as a significant global player in education, training, and innovation.

Let’s challenge ourselves to do two things: 1. Become more knowledgeable about other organizations that serve the business community; and 2. Be more inclusive and entrepreneurial in developing and furthering partnerships to benefit and strengthen businesses in Capital Area.

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Stephen R. Barrington, MPA
Business Services Manager
Capital Area Workforce Development Board
2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27604
(919) 856-6046
stephen.barrington@wakegov.com