Introduction

Starting your own business can be very difficult, challenging, and frustrating with many risks involved, however it can also result in enormous possible rewards.

In order to become a successful entrepreneur, you need to possess zeal, tenacity, optimism, innovation and relish risk. The first question you have to ask yourself is why are you starting your business and the answer to that question should be your motivation. We will outline some of the characteristics of an entrepreneur, the factors that determines a successful entrepreneur, challenges and risks of starting a business, the key guidelines towards starting a business and the business structures that an entrepreneur can choose to establish.

The booklet provides you with some thought provoking questions and considerations that you will have to address before starting your business. These questions are overlooked at times and people think that because they have a “good’ idea the business will be viable. This booklet allows you to reflect on your idea and undergo a sober assessment for starting your business to ensure that you do not ignore obvious pitfalls.