ABSTRACT
In this chapter we consider what influences the individual decision to actually start a business — to move from having an idea or seeing an opportunity to actually doing something about it. This is a big step for most people involving the commitment of significant time and, potentially, financial and reputational resources. It may also involve a potential loss of security if the potential entrepreneur has to give up a secure job to take a risk in starting a new firm (Box 5.1). In other situations the entrepreneurship decision may result from necessity due either to economic circumstances or losing a job.
