Part 1: Are You Ready to Start a Business?

Many people dream of owning their own business, but do they have the right personality and mindset to succeed? There is more than one right way to be an entrepreneur. However, there are some common personality traits that trend among successful entrepreneurs. Additionally, there is a vast difference between wanting to do something and being able to make a living at doing that something. When thinking about starting a business, it is also important to evaluate what skills and experiences you have or have yet to acquire and to consider if any need improvement. Thinking, social, and emotional skills all play important roles when it comes to being a successful entrepreneur, as do relevant experiences.

Taking the following assessments will allow you to reflect on things you may not have considered before, help you identify what you still need, and give you a better understanding of where you fall on the scale of readiness to start a business. The more questions you answer yes to, the more ready you are.

Answer (Yes or No) to the following questions and submit your answers to view your score and readiness assessment results below. Then, reach out to Nevada County's Office of Economic Development to get connected to the specific resources you need to start your business. Email Kimberly Parker at Kimberly.Parker@nevadacountyca.gov or call 530-470-2795

81%-100%
You're ready! Your answers indicate you have mentally prepared yourself to be an entrepreneur, and you have many ideal personality characteristics to start a business. You may have gained some related experience, or you are very motivated to learn. If you need any additional resources, don't hesitate to reach out to our local resources.

61%-80%
You have many characteristics that present a green light for being a capable and prepared business entrepreneur. Continue to shine, keep your plans moving forward, and prepare yourself for starting a business. Don't forget to seek out some free professional counseling or advice!

41%-60%
Not so fast! Your answers indicate that there might be some room for personal growth before you consider starting a business. You may have some attributes and experiences that coincide with successful business owners, but there are still some things you can learn. Take time to think about your strengths and weaknesses. Strategize how to use your strengths to your advantage and have a willingness to learn and accept help to diminish any weakness you may have.

21%-40%
It is time to re-evaluate. Your answers indicate you may not be mentally and emotionally prepared to start a business, or you may currently have too many personal commitments. Sometimes, the timing just isn't right. If you still feel serious about starting a business, then take your time to thoroughly plan and prepare for your success as an entrepreneur. You will benefit immensely by gaining more business knowledge and building your skills rather than beginning prematurely. Remember, starting a business is not for everyone.

0%- 20%
Starting a business is not for the faint of heart. Your answers indicate that even though you may have an idea or simply like the idea of having your own business, you should not consider starting a business now. Please continue to explore all your career options. Focus on following your interests, building your skills, and continuing to educate yourself. You may end up re-evaluating your interest in entrepreneurship and decide to leave it behind, or you may try again at a later point in time.

When you submit this form, it will not automatically collect your details like name and email address unless you provide it yourself.

1) This form will record your name, please fill your name.*

2) Do you think you are ready to start a business?*

YesNo

3) Do you have a family member or relative who owns a business?*

YesNo

4) Have you ever worked in a business like the one you are thinking of starting?*

YesNo

5) Do you have enough knowledge and understanding of the industry you are looking to enter?*

YesNo

6) Can your past experiences and education help you start a business in the industry you are looking to enter?*

YesNo

7) Would people who know you say you are entrepreneurial?*

YesNo

8) Do you consider yourself a leader?*

YesNo

9) Would other people consider you a leader?*

YesNo

10) Do you like to make your own decisions?*

YesNo

11) Do others turn to you for help?*

YesNo

12) Are you self-motivated and proactive?*

YesNo

13) Are you good at managing time and meeting deadlines?*

YesNo

14) Do you have will power and self-discipline?*

YesNo

15) Would people who know you say you are outgoing?*

YesNo

16) Are you generally a confident person?*

YesNo

17) Do you enjoy competition?*

YesNo

18) Do you work well under pressure?*

YesNo

19) When you make commitments, do you follow through with them?*

YesNo

20) Do you see setbacks as failures?*

YesNo

21) Do you see setbacks as opportunities to learn?*

YesNo

22) Do you embrace challenges as they arrive?*

YesNo

23) Are you willing to meeting new people and listening to a variety of new ideas?*

YesNo

24) Do you like working and collaborating with other people?*

YesNo

25) Do you have the necessary skills and abilities to start and manage the day-to-day operations of a company?*

YesNo

26) Do you have enough confidence in yourself and your abilities to sustain yourself in business, if or when things get tough?*

YesNo

27) Are you willing to invest a significant portion of your savings or net worth to get your business started?*

YesNo

28) Do you believe your standard of living may suffer in order to start a business?*

YesNo

29) Are you willing to commit long hours and weekends to make your business work?*

YesNo

30) Is your partner or spouse fully supportive?*

YesNo

31) Will you be able to balance your work schedule with your personal life, relationships, and other commitments?*

YesNo

32) Have you ever worked in a managerial or supervisory capacity?*

YesNo

33) Do you have short term and long-term goals for yourself and your business?*

YesNo

34) Can you see yourself doing this business venture five, or ten, years down the line?*

YesNo

35) Do you need to acquire more skills to be successful in this business?*

YesNo

Part 1: Are You Ready to Start a Business?

Your Results