The measure of success
How do we measure entrepreneurial achievement? What rule can we use to determine an original undertaking? While the amount of income generated by a new business can give an indication of its success, it might be a false quantifier of genuine growth. After all, it is far easier for those of affluence to establish businesses, in part because they already have the necessary capital for such an undertaking. This extra capital serves to cushion any fall, or to hide any deficiency which might actually be occurring. In this respect, Aristotle once suggestively wrote that the brave are not the careless, for performing reckless acts are only an indication of ignorance or stupidity. Bravery exists only where an action is undertaken despite full knowledge of the dangers involved. Similarly, achievement should be measured by the genuine risks taken by an individual--actions which were taken in spite of having full awareness of the risks involved. We thus bow and raise our hats to the rural women honored in the conference who, despite their humble origins and moderate means, began business ventures of greater personal challenges than those confronted by self-serving male bureaucrats.