Entrepreneurs, Not Small Business Owners
Let us clear the confusion on the piece where I noted that fresh graduates aspiring to become entrepreneurs should work for say 2-3 years. Many are citing that one does not need to work before becoming a freelancer, etc.
If you read carefully, I made sure I said Entrepreneur, not a small business owner. A freelancer is a SMALL BUSINESS OWNER. I used the word an entrepreneur in the piece. I did not say you need experience to start a small business. I said you need experience to become an Entrepreneur, in NIGERIA.
I have always noted that entrepreneurs are not the same as small business owners. In Oshodi market, even though World Bank would call the market women entrepreneurs [yes, we empowered 10,000 Women Entrepreneurs Last Year in Africa!], I do not - I call them small business owners. The main difference is the scalable advantage which entrepreneurs have unlike small business owners who may run a shop for 30 years with no growth.
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As you comment, please have this distinction in mind. It was actually explained in the full piece. Hope this clears this up.