Entrepreneurial success is often presented as the reward for hard work, persistence and determination, but economist and entrepreneur Dr Maxwell Ampong says the reality is far more complex.
In his latest reflection on entrepreneurship, Dr Ampong argues that while effort remains essential to building a successful business, factors such as privilege, access to opportunities, networks, geography, education and timing can significantly influence an entrepreneur’s journey.
He said society often celebrates the idea of the “self-made” entrepreneur, portraying successful founders as people who started with little and built everything through sheer determination.
However, Dr Ampong believes such stories can overlook the circumstances that shape an entrepreneur’s starting point.
“Entrepreneurship does not begin on the same road for everyone,” he noted, explaining that some entrepreneurs begin their journeys with significant advantages while others have to navigate difficult conditions from the outset.
According to him, acknowledging these differences does not diminish the achievements of people who succeed. Rather, it provides a more accurate understanding of what it takes to build a business.
He noted that factors including family background, access to quality education, professional networks, location and exposure to business opportunities can all affect an entrepreneur’s prospects.
In Ghana, Dr Ampong said these differences are particularly visible among young entrepreneurs.
A young person growing up in Accra, Kumasi or Takoradi may have greater access to reliable internet, financial institutions, business networks, incubators, mentors and investors than someone growing up in a rural district.
He explained that these differences can influence how young people understand entrepreneurship and the kinds of businesses they are able to pursue.
Education also plays an important role, according to Dr Ampong. Students who attend well-resourced schools and universities may gain access to networks and relationships that later translate into business opportunities.
Family background can also shape an entrepreneur’s outlook.
Some young people grow up watching their parents or relatives operate businesses, giving them early exposure to negotiations, customer service, inventory management and risk-taking.
For others, entrepreneurship may appear unfamiliar or excessively risky, particularly where stable employment is viewed as the preferred path.
Dr Ampong also highlighted the role of perception in determining entrepreneurial opportunities.
He said young founders can sometimes be underestimated because of their age, while women entering traditionally male-dominated industries may face additional barriers.
Entrepreneurs from less privileged backgrounds can also struggle to gain credibility when operating in spaces dominated by established business networks.
“These judgments rarely appear in official documents,” he observed, but they can influence conversations, negotiations and expectations surrounding entrepreneurs.
Dr Ampong stressed that recognising privilege should not be interpreted as an accusation or a dismissal of individual effort.
Instead, he described privilege as a way of understanding the conditions from which people begin their journeys.
He argued that two entrepreneurs can work equally hard while facing very different levels of resistance.
“Hard work matters. Opportunity matters. Timing matters. Networks matter. The road and the car both matter,” he said.
For young Ghanaian entrepreneurs, Dr Ampong encouraged greater awareness of their starting points and the factors that can influence their journeys.
He advised entrepreneurs to deliberately build networks by seeking mentors, collaborators and advisers who can expand their access to knowledge and opportunities.
He also encouraged young founders to remain intellectually curious by reading widely, learning about industries outside their immediate environments and seeking exposure beyond their communities.
Another important responsibility, he said, is extending opportunities to others.
Entrepreneurs who have benefited from strong networks or favourable circumstances should consider helping others through mentorship, recommendations and introductions.
Dr Ampong believes humility is therefore one of the most important but overlooked qualities in entrepreneurship.
Understanding how circumstances contribute to success can help entrepreneurs become more compassionate leaders and create businesses that provide opportunities for others.
He cautioned against two extreme views of entrepreneurial success: the belief that hard work alone determines outcomes and the opposite belief that success is entirely determined by privilege.
According to him, the reality lies somewhere between the two.
Success is shaped by a combination of personal effort, opportunity, timing, relationships and the environment in which an entrepreneur operates.
For Dr Ampong, acknowledging these realities does not weaken the entrepreneurial success story. Instead, it makes the story more complete.
He said entrepreneurs who recognise the advantages they have received can remain grounded, while those facing difficult circumstances can better understand the terrain they must navigate.
Ultimately, he argued that entrepreneurial success should not be viewed purely as an individual achievement.
Behind every entrepreneur is a combination of effort, opportunity, timing and community, and recognising that complexity can encourage a more humble and inclusive approach to entrepreneurship.
