Profiling the entrepreneur: an examination of entrepreneurs in the mid-west region of Ireland

The aim of this paper is to present research findings which examine the profile of entrepreneurs in the Mid West Region of Ireland. A number of sub-objectives were formed to achieve the above aim, focus being placed on the following: the demographic profile of the entrepreneur and their business; occupational background; educational attainment and attitude to learning; and motivational factors influencing new venture creation. The methodology utilised for this study was that of a telephone survey, using a standardised questionnaire. A random stratified sample of 200 companies was gathered from a database complied from two main sources – Shannon Development and City and/or County Enterprise Boards located in Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary and Clare. A response rate of 50% was achieved, resulting in 100 valid responses. Some 86% of respondents were male, 12% were female and 2% were copreneurs (a husband and wife team). The majority (83%) of entrepreneurs were under the age of forty and had pursued a third level education in Ireland, common disciplines being business studies followed by engineering. Some 74% of entrepreneurs were in agreement that their formal education was relevant to their current position as an entrepreneur. Making money was the main motivational factor for starting a business and most significant for male entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs’ businesses were either manufacturing (47%) or service (46%) related. It was evident from the findings that there is a direct relationship between the entrepreneur’s previous employment and the source of their business idea. The outcome of this paper provides academics, practioniers and state bodies with a comprehensive understanding of the profile of entrepreneurs. Therefore, based on this profiling, service providers (such as financial institutions, academics, practioniers and state bodies) will be more knowledgeable about the profile of their customers, which can only enhance the quality of service they offer to entrepreneurs.