Nearly every new business starts small, so size alone doesn't separate entrepreneurs from businesspeople who simply want to support a lifestyle. In general, people who start entrepreneurial ventures have these characteristics.

• Driven by opportunity. Entrepreneurs see opportunities where others don't. They strive to satisfy a need that is not being served, or create a new product or technology that changes the way things are done.
• Focused on innovation. Entrepreneurs are creative and find ways to innovate in every aspect of their business, from the product or service, to marketing and distribution, to the business model.
• Determined to create new value by shaking up the marketplace. For example, instead of pulling trained workers from other businesses, entrepreneurs are inclined to create entirely new jobs.
• Determined to grow. Entrepreneurs seek to grow their businesses to the fullest.

By contrast, people who start lifestyle businesses generally do so to provide a job for themselves, an income for their families, and service for a local community. Most small businesses have the potential to grow and become entrepreneurial ventures, but their founders don't typically want to do that.