Summary of Module 1

What is entrepreneurship?

Generally speaking, the term entrepreneurship refers to the process of devoting time and effort to create something new which entails assuming all financial and social risks in order to receive the monetary rewards and personal satisfaction from its outcome.  There are several different types of entrepreneurship – green, social, family, female, agricultural, etc.

What are the characteristics of a good agripreneur?

When it comes to farming and agriculture, rural life in villages seem to be quite the opposite of the presupposed characteristics of entrepreneurship (to make billions no matter what). Farms are often run over many generations. Farms are bound to the land and the community, the land, the trees, the fields, the neighbours, and staying in place. Disruption is what farmers do not want, stability and a stable family and community income are the main motives.

How can women become entrepreneurs?

The EU is trying to increase the percentage of women working on agriculture. In April 2017, the European Parliament adopted a report calling for increasing the role of women in EU agriculture through different opportunities. Opportunities for women are developed through:

• Access to information training and knowledge
• Increased access in machinery and innovative technologies
• Provision of information about funds and schemes
• Access to agricultural inputs and their proper use
• Increased consumer reach through networking and agro-agents
• Cooperation and corporation with associated organisations

What is a business plan (emerging business models)

A business model is a plan outlining how a company aims to make money. It identifies the new business’ target market, outlines how the business provides value to them, and considers the financial aspects. The steps in developing your agricultural business plan include:

1. Area of your specialisation
2. Market segments and targets – research and identify potential markets and their requirements
3. Expertise, team, resources, and outsourcing – think of your abilities and knowledge and access to professional assistance before finalising your business idea
4. Impact – think of the short- and long-term economic potential, viability, and future opportunities
5. Resources – identify the resources needed to deliver the final products of your business idea
6. Business name
7. Administrative issues – think about the official registration, having an accountant, seeing a certified business consultant, etc.

Why is entrepreneurship important for women?

Women’s involvement in different sectors of entrepreneurship has grown big the past decades. Entrepreneur women are able to set their own time-schedules and allocate their time in a more flexible style without the danger of being fired or not offered a well-deserved promotion. Entrepreneurship also offers women the possibility to do what they love and determine the price for their own products. By being their own boss, women entrepreneurs manage to gain control of their future.

How does the EU support agri- and entrepreneurs?

The European Union has established a lot of different schemes, funds, and helping bodies in order to promote female entrepreneurship in agriculture related sectors. The main areas that have been put into focus are agriculture and environment, rural development, trade and promotion, agricultural markets and analysis, quality of farming products, and organic farming. If you are considering running an agribusiness, you should also look at your national funding schemes that aid agricultural entrepreneurship or entrepreneurship in general.