In the 1800s, America was still a young country, but it was growing very fast. From the early pioneers came America’s first entrepreneurs. An entrepreneur is a person who starts and runs his own business. Entrepreneurs provided the early pioneers with the goods and services they needed.

What are goods and services? Starting a lemonade stand and selling drinks to people in your neighborhood is an example. Babysitting for a neighbor's children is providing a service.

Early entrepreneurs included the farming families who built a business by starting a farm and growing food that people America's new communities needed to survive and thrive.

There are two kinds of entrepreneurs. The first is the "bright idea" entrepreneur - a person who has a unique business based on their special talents, such as the blacksmith. He was really an artist who made tools like hammers and files out of iron and steel. Another “bright idea” entrepreneur was the potter. He used his talent to create bowls that people used to cook food. Maybe you have a unique talent that you could use to create things others need.

The second type of entrepreneur was the "need detector." This person meets a specific need of the community. Back in the 1800's, the general store owner bought fruits and vegetables from farmers and sold them to the villagers at his store. Maybe you like taking care of others and making money in the process.

Once you know what kind of entrepreneur you are, ask yourself these questions:
1. Are you disciplined enough to be your own boss?
2. Are you wise enough to be the boss of others?
3. Do you have the character to endure the risks and rewards of being your own boss?

Successful entrepreneurs are ready for anything and they like it that way. No matter what kind of entrepreneur you decide you are, the biggest reward is being able to use your talents to build a business that truly lets you work at something you love!

Click here for more information about some of America’s first "bright idea" entrepreneurs: things you want people to do for you, like cut your hair or give you music lessons.