It’s Love Month, and while February is usually filled with conversations about relationships and romance, there is another kind of love, the love entrepreneurs have for building their own business.
To capture that feeling, the Entrepreneur Weekly asked officers from the Jamaica Business Development Corporation’s (JBDC) Marketing Services Unit and Business Advisory Services teams a simple question: What do entrepreneurs love most about business?
1. The Chance to Work for Themselves
For many entrepreneurs, the journey begins with the desire for independence. “Working for themselves,” as Business Development Officer, Randain Matthews says, gives them an opportunity to live on their own terms.
2. The Freedom to Create and Innovate
Entrepreneurs are natural problem-solvers and creators. According to Vivette McFarlane, Assistant Manager of the Marketing Services Unit, business gives them space to explore ideas freely.
“Apart from the financial aspect, they get to create and innovate,” she explained. That creative freedom allows entrepreneurs to design products and services that reflect their personality and vision.
3. Bringing Ideas to Life
Similarly, Janine Fletcher-Taylor, who leads the Marketing Services Unit believes this transformation is deeply fulfilling, “To create something from their imagination and watch it come to life and accomplish it… that is the most fulfilling thing,” she said. It is proof that their vision works.
4. Watching Growth Happen
Michael Johnson, another officer in the Marketing Services Unit noted that business owners find satisfaction in “producing their own products and seeing it take fruit and expand into what they envisioned or dreamed about.”
5. Control Over Their Time
Marketing Officer, Camille Hyatt-Wisdom explained that unlike a traditional job, entrepreneurship allows flexibility, “With a regular 9–5 they are under somebody else’s control, but when they are doing their own thing, they are free to plan and schedule their time.”
6. Building Their Own Wealth
Jair Campbell, Marketing Services Officer, shared that entrepreneurs appreciate “making their own money on their own time… not working for somebody else and building someone else’s wealth but rather building their own.” That sense of ownership strengthens commitment to the journey.
7. Freedom and Possibility
Entrepreneurship represents opportunity beyond business alone. Marketing Services Officer, Marcliffe McLean described it as more than income generation. “It represents opportunities, not just in business but opportunities in your personal life… There is a certain level of freedom when you are calling the shots being your own boss.”
He added that entrepreneurs often work harder than employees, but the possibilities make it worthwhile.
8. Unlimited Earning Potential
“If you work for someone else, they’ll only pay you what they are willing to,” explained Chad Espeut, Business Development Officer. “With owning your own business, there is the potential of uncapped income.”
The reward grows alongside effort and innovation.
9. Creative Expression and Brand Pride
Entrepreneurs also enjoy seeing their identity reflected in their brands. Business Development Officer, Pauline Lewis shared that many love “being innovative and creative in their own space,” adding that entrepreneurs feel especially proud when their brand represents who they are and what they stand for.
10. The Freedom to Shape Their Future
Andre Stephenson, Business Development Officer summed it up, “The freedom that comes with being able to earn for yourself and decide what your future will look like is important to a lot of entrepreneurs.”
A Different Kind of Love Story
Yes, entrepreneurship comes with challenges, uncertainty and sacrifice. But for many Jamaican business owners, the rewards go far beyond financial gain. This Love Month, we acknowledge that entrepreneurship is, in its own way, a love story. Turn your passion into profits. Visit www.jbdc.net to get connected with
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