FIVE MYTHS ABOUT ENTREPRENEURS:
Understanding How Businesses Start and Grow
Prepared by the National Commission on Entrepreneurship , March 2001

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The National Commission on Entrepreneurship was established to provide local, state, and national leaders with a roadmap for sustaining and expanding a flourishing entrepreneurial economy. Entrepreneurship is the critical force behind innovation and new wealth creation–the key drivers of our country's economic growth. Through research, publishing, conferences and other events, the Commission promotes an agenda that helps grow a successful entrepreneurial economy into the 21st Century.


NCOE COMMISSIONERS

Douglas Mellinger
NCOE Chairman
Partner
Interactive Capital partners


J.R. (Bob) Beyster
Chairman and CEO
Science Applications
International Corp.


Patricia Cloherty William Mays
Special Limited Partner
Patricof & Co. Ventures, Inc. President
Mays Chemical Co.


Jonathan Ledecky
Managing Partner,
Ironbound Capital
Co-Owner of the
Washington Capitals
Hockey Club


Paula Jagemann
President and CEO
eCommerce Industries, Inc.


Alfred C. Liggins III
CEO and President
Radio One Inc.


Mario Morino
Chairman Morino Institute
Morino Institute


Daniel Villanueva
Chairman
Bastion Capital Fund
Co-Founder of Univision
Television Network



NCOE STAFF

Patrick Von Bargen
Executive Director

Doris Freedman
Policy Director

Erik R. Pages
Policy Director

Ken Berlack
Communications Director

Table of Contents

Overview
 
Part One: Unique Characteristics and Roles of Entrepreneurial Growth Companies
Growing Prominence
Economic Impact
Celebrated but Unexamined
Common Origins: Small Businesses and EGCs
Potential Productivity Gains: The First Departure Point
The Growth Period
Common Origins: Big Businesses and EGCs
 
Part Two: Myths and Misconceptions About Entrepreneurial Growth Companies
1. The Risk-Taking Myth: Most successful entrepreneurs take wild, uncalculated risks in starting their companies.
2. The High-Tech Invention Myth: Most successful entrepreneurs start their companies with a break-through invention – usually technological in nature.
3. The Expert Myth: Most successful entrepreneurs have strong track records and years of experience in their industries.
4. The Strategic Vision Myth: Most successful entrepreneurs have a well-considered business plan and have researched and developed their ideas before taking action.
5. The Venture Capital Myth: Most successful entrepreneurs start their companies with millions in venture capital to develop their idea, buy supplies, and hire employees.
 
Part Three: What Does Public Policy Have to Do With Entrepreneurial Growth?
A Precarious Transition
Facilitating Conditions and Policy Implications
1. Shared Risks and Rewards
2. Fostering and Protecting Innovation
3. Expertise
4. Planning and Strategy
5. Capital
 
Part Four: Conclusion
 
Endnotes
 


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NATIONAL COMMISSION ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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