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Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship Competency Model

The competency model framework for Entrepreneurship was developed through a collaborative effort involving the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), EntreEd: The National Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education, MBA Research, and experts in the field of entrepreneurship education and practice. In 2023, the model was revised to update and further incorporate the soft skills and foundational competencies, as well as the technical knowledge, skill, and abilities, needed by prospective and practicing entrepreneurs. The model features insights from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Learning Center, which offers self-paced, online courses on how to start, pivot, or grow your small business.

In 2025, the foundational tiers of the model were updated to align with changes in the Building Blocks Model. For more information, download the Summary of Changes

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Entrepreneurship Competency Model

Entrepreneurship Building Blocks Pyramid

<strong>1.1 Interpersonal Skills</strong> Displaying the skills to work effectively with others. <strong>1.2 Integrity</strong> Displaying strong moral principles and work ethic. <strong>1.3 Professionalism</strong> Maintaining a professional presence. <strong>1.4 Initiative</strong> Demonstrating a commitment to effective job performance by taking action on one`s own and following through to get the job done. <strong>1.5 Dependability and Reliability</strong> Displaying responsible behaviors at work. <strong>1.6 Adaptability and Flexibility</strong> Displaying the capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements. <strong>1.7 Lifelong Learning</strong> Demonstrating a commitment to self-development and improvement of knowledge and skills. <strong>2.1 Reading</strong> Understanding written sentences, paragraphs, and figures in work-related documents on paper, on computers, or adaptive devices. <strong>2.2 Writing</strong> Using standard business English to compile information and prepare written documents on paper, on computers, or adaptive devices. <strong>2.3 Mathematics</strong> Using mathematics to solve problems. <strong>2.4 Science and Technology</strong> Using scientific rules and methods to express ideas and solve problems on paper, on computers, or on adaptive devices. <strong>2.5 Communication</strong> Listening, speaking, and signaling so others can understand using a variety of methods, including hearing, speech, American Sign Language, instant messaging, text-to-speech devices, etc. <strong>2.6 Critical and Analytical Thinking</strong> Using logical thought processes to analyze information and draw conclusions. <strong>2.7 Basic Computer Skills</strong> Using information technology and related applications, including adaptive devices and software, to convey and retrieve information. <strong>3.1 Teamwork</strong> Working cooperatively with others to complete work assignments. <strong>3.2 Customer Focus</strong> Efficiently and effectively addressing the needs of clients/customers. <strong>3.3 Planning and Organizing</strong> Planning and prioritizing work to manage time effectively and accomplish assigned tasks. <strong>3.4 Creative Thinking</strong> Generating innovative and creative solutions. <strong>3.5 Problem Solving and Decision-Making</strong> Generating, evaluating, and implementing solutions to problems. <strong>3.6 Working with Tools and Technology</strong> Selecting, using, and maintaining tools and technology, including adaptive tools and technology, to facilitate work activity (with accommodation when necessary). <strong>3.7 Scheduling and Coordinating</strong> Making arrangements that fulfill all requirements as efficiently and economically as possible. <strong>3.8 Checking, Examining, and Recording</strong> Entering, transcribing, recoding, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/digital format, including adaptive devices and software. <strong>3.9 Business Fundamentals</strong> Using information on basic business principles, trends, and economics. <strong>3.10 Sustainable Practices</strong> Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. <strong>3.11 Health and Safety</strong> Supporting a safe and healthy workplace. <strong>4.1 Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship</strong> Processes and characteristics that are central to entrepreneurial activities. <strong>4.2 Leadership and Teambuilding</strong> Leading a group of people or an organization and causing them to work effectively as a team. <strong>4.3 Networking</strong> Establishing, developing, and maintaining professional relationships and partnerships with others who assist in advancing your work or career. <strong>4.4 Opportunity Orientation</strong> Seek opportunities by perceiving changed conditions or overlooked possibilities and take the initiative to transform them into business ventures with the potential to generate a return. <strong>4.5 Research and Development</strong> Investments toward the creation or discovery of new products, services, processes, and methods. <strong>4.6 Marketing</strong> Planning and executing a strategy to promote and sell products, services, and ideas. <strong>4.7 Sales and Promotion</strong> The act of selling a product or service and the communication used to generate sales of the product or service. <strong>4.8 Financial Management</strong> Managing and controlling money and assets to successfully carry out entrepreneurial activities. <strong>4.9 Business Operations</strong> Carrying out ongoing activities involved in the running of a business. <strong>4.10 Human Resource Management</strong> Recruit, hire, manage, and develop employees. <strong>4.11 Risk Management</strong> Take actions that reduce the probability of a risk occurring or reduce the potential impact if the risk were to occur. Click here to search for O*NET Occupational Competencies Profiles