Recent conversations with other entrepreneurs and small business owners have made me realize that the problems and challenges I face as a small business owner are not unique. While in the past I have felt like I must be the only one in the world to face these issues, it seems that no matter what business one is in, we all face similar challenges in the management, development and growth of our businesses.
For a while I had thought about setting up some kind of forum where entrepreneurs can meet and give each other advice and discuss how they have solved issues or overcome difficulties, and support each other in our decisions to leave the security of employment. Small businesses are in important part of Israel’s economy, and statistics indicate that small businesses account for something like 90% of employment in Israel (if I remember correctly). Therefore, it is important not just on a personal level, but also on a national level, that we help each other…well…survive. (See my previous post on the difficulties of self-employment in Israel to see what I’m talking about.)
Now I am finally doing it.
Launching: Entrepreneur Breakfast
Having said that, I’d like to announce the launch of a new initiative – Entrepreneur Breakfast. This will be a monthly breakfast meeting of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and freelancers to discuss entrepreneurship. The format will include food (yay!), an opportunity for everyone to introduce themselves, a guest lecture, and a discussion about the Entrepreneur Question of the month (this is a question that will be distributed before the meeting, and everyone will be requested to send in their answers before the meeting for discussion at the meeting).
This is an opportunity to learn from each other, and network. The first meeting will be held in Jerusalem on Wednesday May 9, 2007. For information about the venue, costs, and itinerary, go to the Entrepreneur Breakfast site. To attend, you must RSVP, and preferably by Sunday May 6. If you have any questions, you can send them to eb@illuminea.com, or submit the contact form on this blog, or on the Entrepreneur Breakfast site.
Also, if you have any suggestions as to how we can improve this thing, I’d love to hear from you!
