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Principles of Business Section 3 - Establishing A Business: I. Define The Term Entrepreneur Functions
Principles of Business Section 3 - Establishing A Business: I. Define The Term Entrepreneur Functions
NAME__________________________________________________________
GRADE_________________________________________________________
OBJECTIVE
vii. outline the essential steps that should be taken in establishing a business
x. identify sources of information for conducting research into the establishment of businesses
xi. discuss the significance of conducting a feasibility study into the establishing of a business
xii. explain the relationship between planning and the operation of a business
xiii.identify regulatory practices instituted by governments for the establishment and conduct of
different types of businesses
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ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS
3.1 DEFINITION OF AN ENTREPRENEUR
Enterprise – is another name for a profit making business or a company but it mostly
associated with entrepreneurial ventures.
An entrepreneur is someone who shows vision and creativity, taking the financial risk
of starting and managing a new business.
Conceptualizing
This is where the entrepreneur comes up with a new idea. It may be a new product,
service or improvement to existing ones or ways to fill a need rather than trying to find an
existing business.
Planning
The entrepreneur should plan for the formation and operation of the business by stating
his objectives, targets and goals and ways of accomplishing them.
Accessing Funds
The entrepreneur will find ways to finance the business, he may have to use his own
savings, obtain loans from banks, or obtain government grants.
Organizing
This is the ability of the entrepreneur to bring people together, material and equipment in
such a way that he gets the work done.
The entrepreneur must ensure that the day to day activities are carried out effectively.
He/she must assess how the business is performing and determine whether or not it is
achieving its objectives.
Risk Bearing
The entrepreneur must accept the possible risk of success as well as accept the possible
risk of failure. If profits are made the entrepreneur is entitled to it, but he/she will bear the
loss if the business fails.
Creative- the ability to develop new ideas, or new ways of doing things and satisfying
needs.
Flexible and multi-skilled- the ability to react quickly to changes, being able to get on
well with people and being good at handling money at the same time.
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Goal-oriented- the entrepreneur has a high need for achievement and to accomplish a
specific task or goal.
Persistent and persevering – the entrepreneur is determined and not easily deterred
from the target, he/she will make things work in spite of the risk.
A risk taker- having a propensity to take calculated risks, he/she likes challenges, and
they are confident that they can be successful.
Providing goods and services – this will satisfy the needs of the customers.
Creating jobs - individuals can earn an income and improve their standard of living.
Contributing to nation building- by exporting goods thus earning foreign exchange that
will be used to buy more capital goods needed for further production.
Desire for Financial Independence – the entrepreneur prefers to make his own
decisions in order to create their own wealth, not having to depend on another for limited
resources.
Self - fulfilment – the belief that he/she will get more rewards i.e. more than if they were
working for someone else.
Self-actualization- means to fulfil one’s potential and to become the best in the industry.
Increased control of working life – that is, to become your own boss in making all the
decisions without consulting anyone.
(i) Conceptualizing
Feasibility study
(ii) Research
The entrepreneur will have to probe the market to find customer’s wants, who are its
competitors and to offer better customer service to attract customers.
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(iii) Identification of Resources
The entrepreneur has to identify his financial, human and material resources.
Financial resources - the entrepreneur uses his savings or borrow money from
friends/relatives or the bank to finance his business.
Human resource - the entrepreneur and his workers need the necessary skills that
will make the business successful.
Material resources- you will need good quality raw materials and the necessary
supplies if you are providing a service.
Obtaining finance can be a problem as many entrepreneurs lack sufficient savings or lack
knowledge of financial support available.
(vi) Operation of the Business
Once all the resources and finance are in place, the business can start trading.
A business plan is a written document that describes the rationale for starting a business
and the steps involved in starting and operating it successfully.
The executive summary is the first page of the business plan. It gives a
summary/overview of the business. It is here that you convince the reader about the
credibility of your business. It contains;
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The Marketing Plan
The marketing plan describes your marketing strategy and how you plan to persuade
persons to buy your product/service. It contains;
target market (to identify the target market conduct a market research)
promotional strategy ( methods used to inform the customer e.g. advertising)
Operational Plan
The operational plan describes how the business will be operated. It includes;
There are two main types of market research, these include primary and secondary
research.
iv. Product testing - is where consumers are asked to try a product or service offered
by the business and fill in a report card on their experience
i. Internet searches - involves searching the web for information on the market size
of the competitor
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iii. Brochures – that provide information about competitors
All businesses are required to pay taxes to the government while individuals are
expected to pay taxes on the items bought. Therefore the government’s taxation
polices can affect the amount consumers spend. E.g. If taxes are high, consumers will
have less money to spend, thus reducing the revenue for a business resulting in
reduced profits.
They provide testing facility and publish information to promote consumer awareness
and guidance.
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c) Government Environment Policies
The central and local government encourage all businesses to adhere to the following
environmental policies in order to protect the environment. The following is a list of
policies:
Trade persons such as electricians must be licensed to ensure that they are
qualified for the job
A major decision that must be considered when establishing a business is its location.
The following factors should be considered when choosing the location of a business:
Geographical
A business must be accessible and well positioned, this will have the potential for
high sales.
Power
A business needs reliable low - cost suppliers of power to operate efficiently.
Water
Fresh clean water supplies are needed for healthy living and countries with poor
water supply find it difficult to attract investors.
Health Facility
A business should be located where there are good health facilities to keep the
workforce healthy and capable of effective work.
Transport Cost
A business should locate near to the supplier of their raw material e.g. service
industries such as hotels and retailing need to be located near to their supplier so that
transport cost will be less.
Labour Supply
A business should employ the appropriate labour skills where needed, a shortage of
skilled labour may result in the labourer demanding high wages.
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Government Legislation
The government may provide grants and tax incentives to attract businesses to locate
in certain areas.
3.15 COLLATERAL
Collateral is an asset pledged as payment for a loan if the borrower fails to make
regular payments.
Valuation of Collateral
The borrower will try to suggest that the value of the collateral is high in order to get
a higher loan, however, it is the lender that puts a value on an asset being used as
collateral in order to decide how much can be lent.
Revision Questions
1. Many government throughout the Caribbean region have been encouraging person to
become entrepreneurs
[TOTAL 20 MARKS]
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2. [CSEC JANUARY 2021]
(a) (i) List FOUR steps that should be taken in establishing a business. (4 marks)
(c ) Outline two difference between short term planning and long term
planning. (4 marks)
(d) Outline one benefit of collateral to the borrower and one benefit of the
[TOTAL 20 MARKS]
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