Opportunity is a big reason why people start businesses.

Opportunity – a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. (Like open a business)

For the most part, it takes more than an opportunity for people to start a business but it is generally a good nudge for those inclined to start one. From having a marketable skill, hobby or passion turned business to being asked to partner on a venture; opportunity comes in many shapes and sizes.

By definition opportunity is a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.

While acknowledging that circumstance (another reason why people start businesses) and opportunities do overlap, there is a distinct difference between being up against the wall and voluntarily seizing an opportunity.

We found 15 reasons why people start businesses.

For a look at the 15 reasons as well as the personality traits that are most commonly found in entrepreneurs please visit the full study here: Why people start businesses.

Opportunity knocks and people open businesses.

‘I’ve been fascinated by cars and repairing them since I was a kid. I didn’t
think of it as a business until my late teens and realized I could turn my
passion into something profitable. I am very grateful where this road has
taken me.’

Michael Lowe, Car Passionate

A former copyeditor, and currently a freelance writer and published author, upon retiring from my university position i was contracted to write a business case study for a professor. Realizing i was uncomfortable putting my social security number on the W-9 and needing a way to organize and monetize all the above I started A Feast Of Words, LLC

Carol Gee, Feast of Words LLC

I just saw an opportunity to build this on the side. I’m driven by multiple things, one is my own passion as well as just making sure my family is provided for and I’m blessed to do both. I am trying to make my business fully automated. I saw an opportunity and building things is something I love doing. I’ve always loved it, I enjoy it.

Axel DeAngelis, NameBounce

I started my digital marketing and SEO business years ago because I knew that the future of technology held great things and there would be huge opportunity to make money online using valuable marketing skills, software, and intelligence. I wanted to offer a service that would be extremely beneficial.

Sarah Franklin, Blue Tree AI

My entrepreneurial journey started because of some serendipity and an amalgamation of factors. … I had seen a desire for actuaries to speak with another actuary when contemplating their next career move in Australia, but this wasn’t happening in Ireland. So I thought, why not apply the same business model in Ireland? The timing was right; the idea was right; I was young enough to have the energy to get the idea off the ground and had the hunger and desire to succeed. 21 years later I’m still in business, so I must be doing something right!

Mr Paul Walsh FIA, FSAI, LLB Acumen Resources