Summary

This article describes seven different mindsets that motivate individuals to become entrepreneurs.

Getting Started

Introduction to the article (perhaps by having everyone read it)

People start businesses for a variety of reasons. Many of those reasons are outlined in the article. Discuss with the class why someone might want to start a business. Have them pair up in class or through your learning management system.

Subject Area(s) covered

Entrepreneurship, motivation, startup

Study and Discussion Activity

Key things students can learn from this lesson

Students will learn about the variety of motivations that drive entrepreneurs. They will have the opportunity to think about their own motivations for their career plans.

Action (here’s how we’ll do it)

  • Distribute the article for reading.
  • Have students complete the attached table describing the seven motivations outlined in the article.
  • Have each pair select one of the motivations and discuss in further depth.
  • Combine pairs to share the key ideas of their discussion.
  • In the table, there is a blank box at the bottom. Have students discuss another motivation that might drive someone to start a business.
  • A person’s motivation to become an entrepreneur: many may not be able to articulate that motivation directly. Ask students to create 3-5 interview questions that could be asked of entrepreneurs to determine their motivation.
  • Have each student identify three entrepreneurs they know or know of.

Consolidation of learning

  • Have students book a virtual interview with one of the entrepreneurs on their list.
  • Using the interview questions, have students conduct the interview and then prepare a brief profile of the entrepreneur to share with the class.
Success and Additional Learning

Success Criteria

  • Students understand the different motivations that drive entrepreneurs.

Confirming Activities

  • Thinking of the various mindsets and motivations described in the article, have students explain how they would apply to them as they think about their future. What are their motivations?

Activities to do together

  • Have a discussion about what would it be like to be an entrepreneur. Who in students’ extended networks is an entrepreneur? What drives them?
  • Have students imagine: if they were going to become an entrepreneur, what line of business would they pursue? Dream together.