Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made?
Have you ever wondered whether entrepreneurship is something you’re born with or something you can learn? Some say natural born entrepreneurs have an innate drive—an almost genetic instinct for taking risks and seeing opportunity where others see obstacles. Another school of thought is that with the right mindset, skills, and environment, anyone can develop the passion and perseverance it takes to build a successful business.
The truth? I think it’s a bit of both.
There’s no denying that The “Born Entrepreneur” has certain traits that show up early in people who become entrepreneurs. As kids, they might be the ones running lemonade stands, selling candy at school, or coming up with creative ways to make money. These individuals often have a some natural tendencies like these:
Curiosity and creativity: They see possibilities everywhere.
Risk tolerance: They’re comfortable stepping into the unknown.
Independence: They prefer to create their own path rather than follow someone else’s.
While these qualities can certainly give someone a head start into entrepreneurship, they aren’t the whole story.
The “Made Entrepreneur” Perspective is that entrepreneurial skills can be taught—and passion can be developed. Some people don’t even discover their entrepreneurial spark until later in life, often after working for others and realizing they want more freedom, to make a bigger impact, or live more on and with purpose.
Entrepreneurship is as much about mindset and resilience as it is about natural ability. You can cultivate qualities like:
Problem-solving: Learning to view challenges as opportunities for innovation.
Confidence: Gained through small wins and experience.
Adaptability: Built by facing uncertainty and pushing forward anyway.
With on-going mentorship, education, and the right support system, even someone who never saw themselves, haha like myself; as “entrepreneurial” can build a thriving business.
Passion can definitely be grown and often comes from progress being seen. When you see an idea start to work, when your efforts show, or when you experience the freedom of shaping your own future—that’s when passion takes root. You don’t always start with fire; sometimes you build it over time.
While some people may have a natural inclination toward entrepreneurship, being an entrepreneur is ultimately a choice—and a skill set that can be learned, practiced, and strengthened. Whether you’re born with it or build it, success comes down to mindset, persistence, and a willingness to grow.
So, are entrepreneurs born or made?
They’re born curious—but made through passion, courage and commitment.
