National Entrepreneur's Day is a time to honor the bold, innovative, and driven individuals who transform their ideas into reality, shaping industries and contributing to economic growth. Observed annually on the third Tuesday of November, this day recognizes the resilience, creativity, and influence of entrepreneurs across all fields. From small startups to industry giants, entrepreneurs are the backbone of innovation and economic vitality, inspiring others to pursue their dreams with relentless ambition.
The term “entrepreneur” originates from the French word entreprendre, meaning “to undertake.” It first appeared in 1723 in the Dictionnaire Universel de Commerce, compiled by Jacques des Bruslons. The formal study of entrepreneurship began with Irish-French economist Richard Cantillon in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. In his influential work Essay on the Nature of Trade in General, Cantillon defined an entrepreneur as an individual who purchases products at a certain price and sells them at an uncertain price, emphasizing the entrepreneur’s willingness to embrace risk and navigate uncertainty—distinct qualities that set them apart from traditional investors.
Another notable economist, Jean-Baptiste Say, also contributed to the field by identifying entrepreneurs as key agents of economic growth. He emphasized that entrepreneurs act as coordinators in the economy, gathering and utilizing the factors of production to drive progress. Both Cantillon and Say were associated with the French school of thought known as the Physiocrats, who saw entrepreneurship as a foundational force in economic development.
In the 1930s, economist Joseph Schumpeter expanded the concept by defining an entrepreneur as someone capable of transforming a new idea or invention into a successful innovation. Schumpeter saw entrepreneurship as a driver of economic transformation, creating new industries and merging existing resources in innovative ways. His illustration of this was the creation of the “horseless carriage” through the combination of the steam engine and wagon.
In 2010, entrepreneur Siamak Taghaddos spearheaded a campaign to establish National Entrepreneur's Day, recognizing that the United States, known for its entrepreneurial spirit, lacked a formal day to honor entrepreneurs. After gaining thousands of signatures within six months, his effort led to President Obama designating the last day of 2010’s National Entrepreneur Week as National Entrepreneur's Day. This recognition underscores the essential role entrepreneurs play in fostering innovation and economic growth in America.
It was created to recognize and celebrate the contributions of entrepreneurs to society and the economy, and to inspire future generations to pursue entrepreneurship.
You can celebrate by supporting local businesses, attending networking events, sharing stories on social media, or taking an online course to learn more about entrepreneurship.
While National Entrepreneur's Day is widely recognized and celebrated, it is not a federal holiday.
Entrepreneurship drives innovation, creates jobs, and stimulates economic growth. Entrepreneurs often tackle big societal challenges, introducing solutions that can benefit communities and economies on a larger scale.
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