Chapter $4$

While the term "entrepreneur" is used frequently, do we know what it really means? An entrepreneur is a person who develops or sets up a business, usually with considerable financial risk offset by potential of significant reward. There is much debate about whether entrepreneurs are "made" or "born," and there is a developing consensus that an entrepreneurial mindset can indeed be developed in people. "Entrepreneurship" more broadly refers to an approach used when developing new ventures or even projects in organizations.

The growth rate of Aboriginal entrepreneurs is increasing rapidly, outpacing that of non$-$Aboriginal Canada. Still, there are challenges faced in terms of obtaining financing to start a business, and of adequate training or capacity building to ensure its success. Mentorship in particular can be important for the success of new entrepreneurs. In an Aboriginal context, community support is essential. When these components are present, initiatives led by individual members of Aboriginal communities are often more able to succeed than community$-$lead initiatives.