{"id":4,"date":"2019-09-16T15:08:26","date_gmt":"2019-09-16T19:08:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/app2ceo\/2019\/09\/16\/introduction\/"},"modified":"2026-03-21T15:00:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T19:00:16","slug":"introduction","status":"publish","type":"front-matter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/app2ceo\/front-matter\/introduction\/","title":{"raw":"Introduction","rendered":"Introduction"},"content":{"raw":"
\"intro\"<\/figure>\n\n

Many skilled tradespeople eventually reach the same moment in their careers.<\/p>\n\n

They begin to wonder what it would be like to run their own business.<\/p>\n\n

Sometimes the idea grows slowly. A person gains experience, builds confidence, and starts to imagine working for themselves. Other times the opportunity appears suddenly \u2014 a contractor retires, a customer asks if you take side jobs, a friend suggests starting something together.<\/p>\n\n

At first, the idea feels exciting. Running a business offers independence. It allows you to shape your schedule, build something of your own, and take real pride in what you deliver.<\/p>\n\n

But the idea can also feel intimidating.<\/p>\n\n

Being skilled at a trade does not automatically mean knowing how to run a business. Many tradespeople who step out on their own quickly realize that operating a company requires a completely different set of skills. Marketing, pricing, cash flow, safety obligations, customer relationships \u2014 none of these are covered in an apprenticeship program.<\/p>\n\n

This book exists to help fill that gap.<\/p>\n\n

\n\n

About This Resource<\/h2>\n\n

This book was developed at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) as part of a commitment to open, accessible education for trades students across British Columbia.<\/p>\n\n

It is a Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC)<\/strong> resource \u2014 which means you can access it freely, without purchasing anything. There are no fees, no access codes, and no expiry dates. The knowledge in these pages belongs to you.<\/p>\n\n

It is also an Open Educational Resource (OER)<\/strong>, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. That means instructors can adapt it, build on it, and integrate it into their courses. Students can keep it, share it, and return to it long after the course is over.<\/p>\n\n

BCIT's investment in ZTC resources reflects a broader commitment: that the cost of a textbook should never be a barrier to learning. Trades students bring extraordinary skill and dedication to their work. They deserve learning materials that meet that same standard \u2014 and that are available to everyone who needs them.<\/p>\n\n

\n\n

A Practical Guide for Trades Entrepreneurs<\/h2>\n\n

This book is designed to be practical.<\/p>\n\n

Rather than focusing on abstract business theory, it concentrates on the real challenges that trades entrepreneurs face when starting and operating a business. Throughout the chapters, you will explore:<\/p>\n\n

    \n
  • Evaluating business opportunities and understanding your market<\/li>\n
  • Developing a venture plan that reflects your goals and the reality of your trade<\/li>\n
  • Understanding pricing, estimates, and the financial side of running a business<\/li>\n
  • Building a basic safety program and meeting your obligations as an employer<\/li>\n
  • Marketing and positioning your business for long-term growth<\/li>\n
  • Managing cash flow, reading financial statements, and planning ahead<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

    Each topic is connected to the experience of running a trades business specifically \u2014 not a generic small business, but the kind of work you actually do, in communities like yours, for customers like yours.<\/p>\n\n

    \n\n

    How to Use This Book<\/h2>\n\n

    Each chapter introduces a concept, explains why it matters, and gives you practical tools to apply it to your own situation.<\/p>\n\n

    Throughout the book you will find exercises that ask you to stop, reflect, and apply what you are learning. Many of these connect directly to the Venture Planning Workbook<\/strong> \u2014 a companion document that helps you build a real plan for your business as you move through the material.<\/p>\n\n

    The book is designed to be worked through in sequence. The early chapters build the foundation \u2014 your values, your why, your target market. The later chapters build on that foundation with financial tools, safety responsibilities, and marketing systems. By the time you finish, you will have the pieces of a real venture plan in your hands.<\/p>\n\n

    You do not need to have all the answers before you start. That is the point. This book is a place to think things through, ask hard questions, and build practical plans you can actually use.<\/p>\n\n

    \n\n

    A Note on Open Educational Resources<\/h2>\n\n

    Open Educational Resources are teaching and learning materials that are freely available to use, share, and adapt. Unlike commercial textbooks, OERs are not locked behind paywalls or restricted by single-use access codes.<\/p>\n\n

    This book is part of a growing movement in British Columbia to ensure that post-secondary students \u2014 especially those in trades and technical programs \u2014 have access to high-quality, current learning materials without financial barriers.<\/p>\n\n

    Zero Textbook Cost courses are courses where every required resource is freely available to students at no cost. This book was created to support ZTC course delivery at BCIT, and it is available to any student, instructor, or learner anywhere who finds it useful.<\/p>\n\n

    If you are an instructor who would like to adapt this resource for your own course, you are encouraged to do so. The Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License means you can revise, remix, and build on this work \u2014 as long as you credit the original source.<\/p>\n\n

    \n\n

    Acknowledgements<\/h2>\n\n

    This book was written and developed by Chad Flinn at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.<\/p>\n\n

    It builds on the earlier work Entrepreneurial Leadership for the Trades<\/em>, co-authored with Tim Carson, and reflects years of teaching, conversation, and collaboration with trades students and small business owners across British Columbia.<\/p>\n\n

    Thank you to the BCIT community, to the students who have pushed these ideas forward, and to the trades entrepreneurs who demonstrated that building a business with your hands is as worthy a pursuit as any other.<\/p>\n\n

    \n\n

    The Journey Ahead<\/h2>\n\n

    Starting a business is both challenging and rewarding.<\/p>\n\n

    There will be moments when things do not go as planned. Projects will present unexpected problems. Financial decisions will require careful thought. Some customers will be difficult.<\/p>\n\n

    At the same time, entrepreneurship offers something hard to find anywhere else \u2014 the chance to build something that is entirely yours. Business owners often take deep pride in solving problems for customers, contributing to their communities, and creating teams of people they genuinely respect.<\/p>\n\n

    Over time, a small business can grow into something far larger than the original idea.<\/p>\n\n

    You already have the most important thing: a skill that people need and are willing to pay for. This book will help you build the business around it.<\/p>\n\n

    Welcome to the journey.<\/p>","rendered":"

    \"intro\"<\/figure>\n

    Many skilled tradespeople eventually reach the same moment in their careers.<\/p>\n

    They begin to wonder what it would be like to run their own business.<\/p>\n

    Sometimes the idea grows slowly. A person gains experience, builds confidence, and starts to imagine working for themselves. Other times the opportunity appears suddenly \u2014 a contractor retires, a customer asks if you take side jobs, a friend suggests starting something together.<\/p>\n

    At first, the idea feels exciting. Running a business offers independence. It allows you to shape your schedule, build something of your own, and take real pride in what you deliver.<\/p>\n

    But the idea can also feel intimidating.<\/p>\n

    Being skilled at a trade does not automatically mean knowing how to run a business. Many tradespeople who step out on their own quickly realize that operating a company requires a completely different set of skills. Marketing, pricing, cash flow, safety obligations, customer relationships \u2014 none of these are covered in an apprenticeship program.<\/p>\n

    This book exists to help fill that gap.<\/p>\n

    \n

    About This Resource<\/h2>\n

    This book was developed at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) as part of a commitment to open, accessible education for trades students across British Columbia.<\/p>\n

    It is a Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC)<\/strong> resource \u2014 which means you can access it freely, without purchasing anything. There are no fees, no access codes, and no expiry dates. The knowledge in these pages belongs to you.<\/p>\n

    It is also an Open Educational Resource (OER)<\/strong>, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. That means instructors can adapt it, build on it, and integrate it into their courses. Students can keep it, share it, and return to it long after the course is over.<\/p>\n

    BCIT’s investment in ZTC resources reflects a broader commitment: that the cost of a textbook should never be a barrier to learning. Trades students bring extraordinary skill and dedication to their work. They deserve learning materials that meet that same standard \u2014 and that are available to everyone who needs them.<\/p>\n

    \n

    A Practical Guide for Trades Entrepreneurs<\/h2>\n

    This book is designed to be practical.<\/p>\n

    Rather than focusing on abstract business theory, it concentrates on the real challenges that trades entrepreneurs face when starting and operating a business. Throughout the chapters, you will explore:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Evaluating business opportunities and understanding your market<\/li>\n
    • Developing a venture plan that reflects your goals and the reality of your trade<\/li>\n
    • Understanding pricing, estimates, and the financial side of running a business<\/li>\n
    • Building a basic safety program and meeting your obligations as an employer<\/li>\n
    • Marketing and positioning your business for long-term growth<\/li>\n
    • Managing cash flow, reading financial statements, and planning ahead<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Each topic is connected to the experience of running a trades business specifically \u2014 not a generic small business, but the kind of work you actually do, in communities like yours, for customers like yours.<\/p>\n

      \n

      How to Use This Book<\/h2>\n

      Each chapter introduces a concept, explains why it matters, and gives you practical tools to apply it to your own situation.<\/p>\n

      Throughout the book you will find exercises that ask you to stop, reflect, and apply what you are learning. Many of these connect directly to the Venture Planning Workbook<\/strong> \u2014 a companion document that helps you build a real plan for your business as you move through the material.<\/p>\n

      The book is designed to be worked through in sequence. The early chapters build the foundation \u2014 your values, your why, your target market. The later chapters build on that foundation with financial tools, safety responsibilities, and marketing systems. By the time you finish, you will have the pieces of a real venture plan in your hands.<\/p>\n

      You do not need to have all the answers before you start. That is the point. This book is a place to think things through, ask hard questions, and build practical plans you can actually use.<\/p>\n

      \n

      A Note on Open Educational Resources<\/h2>\n

      Open Educational Resources are teaching and learning materials that are freely available to use, share, and adapt. Unlike commercial textbooks, OERs are not locked behind paywalls or restricted by single-use access codes.<\/p>\n

      This book is part of a growing movement in British Columbia to ensure that post-secondary students \u2014 especially those in trades and technical programs \u2014 have access to high-quality, current learning materials without financial barriers.<\/p>\n

      Zero Textbook Cost courses are courses where every required resource is freely available to students at no cost. This book was created to support ZTC course delivery at BCIT, and it is available to any student, instructor, or learner anywhere who finds it useful.<\/p>\n

      If you are an instructor who would like to adapt this resource for your own course, you are encouraged to do so. The Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License means you can revise, remix, and build on this work \u2014 as long as you credit the original source.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Acknowledgements<\/h2>\n

      This book was written and developed by Chad Flinn at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.<\/p>\n

      It builds on the earlier work Entrepreneurial Leadership for the Trades<\/em>, co-authored with Tim Carson, and reflects years of teaching, conversation, and collaboration with trades students and small business owners across British Columbia.<\/p>\n

      Thank you to the BCIT community, to the students who have pushed these ideas forward, and to the trades entrepreneurs who demonstrated that building a business with your hands is as worthy a pursuit as any other.<\/p>\n

      \n

      The Journey Ahead<\/h2>\n

      Starting a business is both challenging and rewarding.<\/p>\n

      There will be moments when things do not go as planned. Projects will present unexpected problems. Financial decisions will require careful thought. Some customers will be difficult.<\/p>\n

      At the same time, entrepreneurship offers something hard to find anywhere else \u2014 the chance to build something that is entirely yours. Business owners often take deep pride in solving problems for customers, contributing to their communities, and creating teams of people they genuinely respect.<\/p>\n

      Over time, a small business can grow into something far larger than the original idea.<\/p>\n

      You already have the most important thing: a skill that people need and are willing to pay for. This book will help you build the business around it.<\/p>\n

      Welcome to the journey.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":422,"menu_order":1,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"front-matter-type":[12],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-4","front-matter","type-front-matter","status-publish","hentry","front-matter-type-introduction"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/app2ceo\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/front-matter\/4","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/app2ceo\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/front-matter"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/app2ceo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/front-matter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/app2ceo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/422"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/app2ceo\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/front-matter\/4\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":553,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/app2ceo\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/front-matter\/4\/revisions\/553"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/app2ceo\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/front-matter\/4\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/app2ceo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"front-matter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/app2ceo\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/front-matter-type?post=4"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/app2ceo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=4"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/app2ceo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=4"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}