SkillPointe x Entrepreneurship: A Four-Part Blog Series
SkillPointe x Entrepreneurship: A Four-Part Blog Series
Part 1 - Why the Skilled Trades Are the New Startup Culture
The Future of Entrepreneurship Starts with Skills
When most people picture an entrepreneur, they imagine someone in a tech startup or a corporate office. But the truth is far more exciting - and far more accessible. Across the country, the skilled trades are becoming one of the most powerful launchpads for entrepreneurship, independence, and innovation.
Electricians, HVAC technicians, welders, carpenters, automotive technicians, and dozens of other skilled professionals are building businesses that fuel local economies and shape communities. These aren't side stories. They're the backbone of America's startup culture.
Entrepreneurship Is Built into the Trades
Unlike many career paths, the trades naturally lead to self-employment and small business ownership. Students who learn a skill often become:
- Independent contractors
- Small business owners
- Franchise operators
- Side-hustle entrepreneurs
- Innovators who create new tools, services, or solutions
The reason is simple: skilled trades offer low startup costs, high demand, and immediate earning potential. Students don't need to wait years to "become" entrepreneurs. They can start building something real as soon as they master their craft.
A Pathway That Works for More Students
For many young people - especially those who want hands-on work, financial stability, and control over their future - the trades offer a practical, empowering route to entrepreneurship. It's a path rooted in real skills, real demand, and real opportunity.
If you have any questions and/or would like more information about the SkillPointe Platform, please contact Dr. Kevin Logan, Director of SkillPointe at logan@nacce.com