[notgoingtouni]

I think James has just hit the nail on the head. In my opinion, whilst I may not have as much capital saved as someone twice my age the difference is I have no outgoings and no-one depending on me to get money coming in. This is what has enabled me to set-up and give it a go in business, despite the fact I am still working full-time.

I also agree there is too little done to arouse entrepreneurial spirit in young people and something I am looking into attempting to target in the future. Not that I can do much!

[Sheffy]

I think there is a certain type of person who, even from an early age, will have enough drive, ambition, street wisdom and imagination to earn money for themselves no matter how difficult their circumstances. Such youngsters will wash cars, mow lawns, clean windows, deliver papers, buy from jumble sales and sell at boot sales and so on. They always have. Schools don't prepare children any less than they ever did.

I agree with the things about role models, though and believe that many children just give up and think there is nothing they can do about their situation.because that is the attitude of their parents.

But just look at the number of self made men who started with nothing but determination e.g. Marks of Marks and Spencer started with a tray of cotton reels and ribbons on loan from someone who took pity on him. He couldn't even speak the language. Or what about Aan Sugar? Or many of the Kenyan Asians who escaped from Uganda and came to this country with nothing.etc. etc. etc.

[victoriaK]

I remember during business studies when I was about 13, we were paired off and given a fictious £100 to spend on shares, we had to read through the paper and choose our companies and watch them over a couple of months. It become so competitive in the class room, I thought it was fantastic, really roused the spirit of the class. It hooked me from there and I always said to my mum I would have my own business, which I did at 22 after college.

I think the lack of individuality, creativity and competition in school really keeps the kids down. The goals young kids are given are rubbish. University is rammed down their throats, test up on test, I think they aren't really given the chance to even consider being there own boss.

I save £10 per month for both my sons which they will get when they are 18 (I will put more in when I can) and if they so choose they will have some money to start them off. We have a great work ethic in our house my eldest who is only 5 can't wait to work, he wants to own a restaurant (dad is a Head Chef) but we always encourage his little spirit. I always tell him he can be what ever he wants to be.

Great post IP2 x

[Beneddie1112]

Anybody on here interested in providing start up grants to under 16's?

Take care,
Ben

[Sheffy]

Business is a lot to do with problem solving. It is to do with creative thinking. If you have these skills and abilities then you will be able to think of ways to make money, start small and build up. Things aren't, and shouldn't be, handed to you on a plate.
How to get some money together is the first problem. If you can't solve that one how will you cope with the others that will come along.
If your target is to get some money together , break it down into small steps and think how you can achieve it little by little. Don't just wait for it to drop in your lap.

[solutions4finance]

Totally agree with Indis comment on page one about what it really means to be an entrepreneur "many a successful person has made it, lost it, and made it again".

Much of it is down to determination to succeed and pure grit.

A couple few years ago I had this idea to start a building firm - I did. I started the firm with £150 (I quit a very well paid international sales position to start it), and through hard work and tenacity built it to a very decent sized business. Just as I was heading for a further expansion, with as much "out" as you could imagine plus a little more, one of our clients closed shop owing hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Luckily, we didn't go bankrupt because I had the money in the bank to pay the debts off that we'd accumulated on the jobs, but that was it - me back to flat broke.

I was left with no choice but to close the firm and start again - and that's how I ended up doing this. I used the skills and knowledge from previous experiences to kick start this business - again with virtually no capital.

I pulled strings, called in favours, worked 'round the clock, yanked and tugged at everything I possibly could and now, after two years hard work, I've got another thriving business.

My point, now that I've eventually reached it, is this: we can all achieve - we just have to find a way of doing it. Work hard, work smart, call in favours, ask for help, and never be afraid of anything (most of all failure. Remeber that no statue was ever erected for a critic.)

I really do wish you the best of luck.

Justin

[lakeview]

i know some of the schools offer small business enterprise schemes if that is any help. its worth finding out as they will help with money and start up.