The Economic Answer? Entrepreneurs’ Day.
Between 1980 and 2005, virtually all net new jobs created in the U.S. were created by firms that were 5 years old or less. Robert Litan, (VP of research at the Kauffman Foundation)
As we consider the economic upheaval of the last couple of years, the questions are clear and daunting. Where should our priorities lie? What do we promote and what do we stand behind?
If you believe Litans research, our economic future lies with the startup and the humble (or not so humble) Entrepreneur.
Ask a dictionary and you might walk away believing that ‘an entrepreneur is a person who has possession of a new enterprise, venture or idea and assumes significant accountability for the inherent risks and the outcome.’ – To those of us who live it, its more than the enterprise. Its more than money. Its the drive to pursue a vision, a passion for the unknown, mixed with a slight addiction to the risk. I cant help but smile at Roy Ash’s take… “An entrepreneur tends to bite off a little more than he can chew hoping he’ll quickly learn how to chew it.”
So a petition has been started (by the Grasshopper founders) with the Kauffman Foundation’s support, to create a nationally recognized Entrepreneurs’ Day as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week – starting November 19th of this year and every Friday of Global Entrepreneurship Week thereafter. They need a million signatures.
According to organizer Siamak Taghaddos – Entrepreneurs are America’s real “bailout” in the sense that by investing in them and their ventures, we would stimulate a real economic turnaround. Whether or not you agree with the politics, entrepreneurship is a vital part of any economic stimulus – so why did it seem like no one was talking about the lack of investment in the future of entrepreneurs? (you can read about more of his motivations here)
Never ones to miss a marketing opportunity, the grasshopper team have created a beautifully executed mo-graph video for the movement. So take a few minutes to be reminded about what it means to be an entrepreneur. Then head over and sign the petition.
Although on the cheesy side, I cant help but feel that a day to remember the people who have done big things and more importantly dreamt big, is exactly what the world needs right now.
Join the entrepreneur movement. Stimulate the economy. Spread the word.
Finding out how to write ads that get results is certainly an art. I am finally getting the hang of it, but it does take practice.