Why Do People Become Entrepreneurs​?

Did you know that ‘just under one in three UK adults (30%) now either run their own business or plan to start a business within the next three years?’. 

Entrepreneurship is one of the most exciting and rewarding paths a person can take, and as entrepreneurial activity has increased, it has become more common for entrepreneurs to possess multiple motivations for running a business. 

For some, it’s the desire for freedom and independence; for others, it’s the opportunity to solve a problem or make a real impact in the world. 

In this blog, we’ll uncover the key reasons why people decide to take the plunge into entrepreneurship and explore the rewards that make it all worthwhile.

Here are 6 reasons why many people decide to become entrepreneurs:

1. They Have a Desire for Independence

Let’s be real, one of the most common reasons many people decide to become entrepreneurs is that they have a desire for independence and want to be their own boss.

Being your own boss means entrepreneurs have complete control over every facet of their business, which is often why conventional jobs aren’t a great fit for entrepreneurs, as they may not feel like much of a challenge and ultimately, people don’t like being told what to do, how to do it, or when to show up.

Instead of following someone else’s vision, they want to build something that’s theirs from the ground up. That kind of independence can be super motivating. It’s about having the power to create your own path and make your own rules.

In an American study by SBE Council in late 2024, statistics showed that 62% of Americans would prefer to be their own boss versus 35% who would prefer to work as an employee for someone else.

2. They Want to Solve a Problem

Another big reason people become entrepreneurs is because they see a problem in the world and they want to be the ones to fix it. 

This might be something they’ve experienced personally or something they’ve noticed around them.

Perhaps they’re frustrated with how expensive or complicated a product is, or they see a gap in the market where no one’s offering a good solution. 

That frustration often turns into motivation, and instead of waiting for someone else to figure it out, they decide to step up and do it themselves. This ‘problem solving’ mindset is what drives a lot of innovation.

3. They Want a More Flexible Lifestyle (Against the 9-5)

A lot of people turn to entrepreneurship because they’re simply tired of the whole 9-to-5 grind of waking up extra early, sitting in traffic, being stuck at a desk all day, asking for permission to take a day off … for some this type of routine can feel pretty draining. 

Some people just don’t thrive in that sort of rigid structure and want more control over their time.

Starting their own business gives them the chance to build a lifestyle that actually fits who they are, instead of forcing themselves into a routine that doesn’t make sense for them.

It’s important to mention here that, of course, being an entrepreneur doesn’t mean you’re working less - you might actually work more when you’re starting off - but you get to choose when and how you work. And for a lot of people, that freedom is worth more than anything. 

How Tramshed Tech is the Perfect Hub for Entrepreneurs

Tramshed Tech is the ideal space for entrepreneurs who are looking to build, scale, and connect with like-minded individuals. 

Gone are the days of sitting in a traditional office cubicle. Tramshed Tech provides flexible co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and event areas where entrepreneurs can work in an environment that suits their needs. 

Discover our many workspaces here, located across South Wales. And if you’d like to speak with a friendly member of our team about our different membership packages, please give us a call on 029 2010 3090.

Learn more about escaping the 9-5 in this blog.

4. They’re Passionate About Learning

For some (well, a lot of) entrepreneurs, the drive to start a business comes from a passion for learning and personal growth. 

It’s not all about building a product, offering a service or ultimately making lots of money - it’s about the thrill of constantly challenging themselves and expanding their skills. 

Being an entrepreneur means you’re wearing a lot of hats: you can be the marketer, accountant, salesperson, customer service personnel, you name it, so there’s always something new to learn, and that’s exciting for those who love to grow.

Talking of learning, networking is one of the most powerful parts of being an entrepreneur, and it’s a huge reason why people dive into the business world. It’s all about building relationships that can support, inspire, and help you grow.

Tramshed Tech are continuously hosting workshops and events for startups and freelancers, to improve their skills, network, and business acumen. You can find our current workshops & events here.

5. They Have Job Dissatisfaction

This point leads nicely from points 1 and 3 in a way, as when someone’s really unhappy in their job, they start to wonder, “Is there more to life than this?”. This dissatisfaction can be the spark that pushes them toward entrepreneurship. 

Entrepreneurship offers a way out of this ‘controlled’ structure. It provides an opportunity to build a career that aligns with personal passions and values - something that feels meaningful and fulfilling to the individual.

Individuals might feel like they have ideas or talents that aren’t being fully utilised, or they might have a burning desire to work on something they really care about. 

6. They Embrace Opportunity

Lastly, entrepreneurs are naturally drawn to opportunities

They are good at spotting opportunities and running towards them at full force. While yes, there are usually risks involved in any opportunity, entrepreneurs are willing to take them wholeheartedly if they believe it will be worth their time and grow their business.

These opportunities might be in the form of a new contact or a new client, or access to a better supplier or vendor, which some people might find challenging, entrepreneurs are motivated enough to know when it feels right to say yes and dive in headfirst.

We are Tramshed Tech: a startup ecosystem home to 50+ companies and 600+ registered members from the digital, creative and tech communities. We’re currently based in Grangetown, Cardiff Central & Newport, Barry and Swansea. 

Want to know more? Give us a call on 029 2010 3090 or send us an email through our contact form. 

Written by Kate on behalf of Tramshed Tech.