To most people enterprise is about making money. Whilst it is true that enterprise and business often go together this is not the full story. Enterprise is also about being creative and innovative, being persistent but flexible and having drive and determination. Further than this enterprise is about showing initiative and positive thinking, being enthusiastic and having a 'can do' attitude. So, an enterprising person may have good business skills but other qualities and attitudes linked to enterprise are also vitally important to be successful in later life and can be used in many areas other than business.

An entrepreneur is someone who takes a financial risk by entering into a new financial venture. This might mean starting a business somewhere - or in something - that hasn't been tried before. An entrepreneur is confident in his or her ability to succeed with their ideas and will be driven by the need to achieve their goals. For an idea of what is involved in becoming an entrepreneur just watch an episode of Dragon's Den!

Many schools have enterprise days or events at specific times for specific year groups. Your school may also run a Young Enterprise scheme which you may become involved in. In addition to this a number of subjects you study eg, as part of GCSE or 14-19 Diploma courses, will contain units on enterprise. You can also gain enterprise skills if you take part in a student council or youth forum at school - many run charity events or try to raise money for the community. What ideas would you have if you were involved in activities like these?

Many entrepreneurs develop their skills outside school anyway so not being at school shouldn't stop you thinking about starting a business. It is as enterprising to earn extra money washing a neighbour's car as it is to start your own web-based business from your home computer. The key is to find a service or a product that people want and to make sure you do everything legally. You also have to make sure your enterprising activities don't interfere too much with your school work - everyone needs a back up plan in case their ideas for enterprise don't work out.

In most cases the two terms can be used to mean the same thing; to start an enterprise is to start a business. An entrepeneur is also usually someone who is self employed because they have started the business themselves. This means they are fully responsible for paying their own salary and paying all the bills and expenses for running the business. With tax, national insurance, pension payments and possibly employing other people too this can be quite an expense. But think of the rewards if the enterprise is successful.

Many famous entrepreneurs argue that a recession is actually the best time to start new businesses and try something different. The argument goes that people who are struggling through hard economic times are looking for something else to take their minds off their difficult times, or simply to have the same products and services only offered at cheaper prices. This involves creative thinking. Recessions always end and it is then that the entrepreneur who took a risk can really see his or her business grow.

As a young person the main organisation that might be able to help you start your own business is the Prince's Trust who have regional offices around the country. The Prince's Trust will offer you free advice on how to set up your business and will tell you what they think of your idea. You will need a business plan which sets out how your idea will make money (so that you can start paying back your loan!) and you will need a clear view about how your business will survive.

Check out the websites displayed in the 'links' tab. These sections will give you more indepth advice on what it means to go into enterprise, and may even inspire you to take that first step.