Entrepreneurs create jobs, so how are we helping?

By Stephen Daze. Canadian universities get a near-failing grade for the way they support campus entrepreneurs. It’s no surprise that global leaders are increasingly looking at entrepreneurship as a way to grow jobs and stimulate economies. In Canada, approximately 68 percent of net new jobs are created by small- and medium-sized enterprises (Statistics Canada), and from 1980 to 2008 all net new job growth in the U.S. came from firms five years or younger (Kauffman Foundation). The reality is that large firms shed jobs and new firms (young firms run by entrepreneurs) drive job growth. Complementing this is the growing interest in entrepreneurship as a career choice. A Kauffman-funded study of youth aged eight to 21 cites 40 percent of respondents interested in entrepreneurship as a career option. The question is: What are we doing to stimulate interest in entrepreneurship and provide support to young entrepreneurs? Some would see this as an opportunity not to be missed. Read more...