What do you feel when you hear the term “entrepreneur”? What images come to mind? Ask ten people what an entrepreneur is and you could very well get ten different answers. While its definition varies, the concept of entrepreneurship needs to be demystified.

An entrepreneur is a person with a strong sense of initiative who follows through on his or her ideas. Most people only associate an entrepreneur with the business world but entrepreneurial traits are also found in other arenas. Someone who starts a non-governmental organization (NGO) basically possesses the same entrepreneurial vision and instincts as someone who starts a business. Self-starters are self-starters. So why aren’t there more entrepreneurs in action out there?

Unfortunately, too many people do not believe in their dreams and give into their fears. An entrepreneur is fearless and keeps his or her dreams alive. Another common myth preventing people from taking that leap of faith is the notion that one needs a lot of money to start a venture. That is true in some cases but most ventures start with an idea and a dream. Entrepreneurs start with what they have where they are. What does this mean for a country?

Entrepreneurs are the backbone of any capitalist economy. If entrepreneurship is stifled, so is economic growth. Entrepreneurs start businesses. As those businesses grow, new jobs are created. Can you think of a country in the world that does not need job creation today? Governments must provide tax breaks for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are people who help themselves. Most of them end up helping others through job creation. Promoting entrepreneurship eases some of the economic burden of a government.

To all the entrepreneurs out there: Keep doing what you are doing! To everyone else with buried dreams: Believe in yourself and follow your dreams!