ASE: ENTREPRENEURIAL APTITUDE QUESTIONNAIRE (EAQ)

Whatever approach you take in becoming an entrepreneur -­­-­­-­­starting a new business, acquiring business
owner, an existing business or franchisee, stepping into a family business – all share the aspect of risk (career
risk, financial risk, family risk, and psychological risk). The ability to confront the risks and ongoing challenges
of business ownership are essential personal characteristics for business success.

Not everyone is innately suited for entrepreneurship. Over time, with the right environment, work
experience, passion and education, almost everyone can become an entrepreneur. Measuring one’s
entrepreneurial aptitude is an important first step for considering business ownership.

The Entrepreneurial Aptitude Questionnaire (EAQ) is designed to assist in performing a self-­­analysis to

measure your aptitude for entrepreneurship. Should your self-­­analysis reflect traits suitable for endeavors
other than entrepreneurship, we hope we’ve provided you a beneficial service and insight.

The EAQ is for your benefit. ASE mentors do not review your responses. Your responses on the EAQ are not
archived by ASE, and are deleted from our system when you close the window or exit our website.

Disclaimer:

ASE makes no claim for the evaluation adequacy of the self-­­analysis. Resulting score on the EAQ is no
guarantee of your future success or failure for entrepreneurship.
How to proceed
Answer the questions below, based on your present situation. Total the number Yes and No answers, then
review the recommendations based on the ‘yes’ responses.

1. Are you a self­starter?

Yes_____ No____

2. Did you grow up in a family of business owners or have had a close association with business
owners?
Yes_____ No____

3. Does your parent/spouse support your entrepreneurial aspirations?

Yes_____ No____

4. Are you a problem solver and positive about challenges or setback?

Yes _____ No____

5. Do you initiate innovative and creative ideas?

Yes____ No____

6. Do you desire being your own boss rather than working for someone else?
Yes ____ No _____

7. Do you seek to achievement beyond your present level or that of your peers?
Yes ___ No_____

8. Do you have a working background or experience in the business you want to pursue?
Yes ____ No _____

9. Do you believe you are in charge of your own destiny?

Yes ____ No____

10. Do you have experience as a manager or have managerial skills?

Yes ____ No____

11. Are you committed to working more than 40 hours a week?

Yes ____ No ____

12. Do you set goals and timetables for results?

Yes ____ No ____
13. Are you accepting of advice and guidance from a mentor(s) or advisory groups, although it may differ
from your long held beliefs or opinions?
Yes ____ No ____

14. Do other people seek your advice?

Yes ____ No____

15. Do other people see you as a positive person?

Yes ____ No ____

16. Do you overcome rejection readily?

Yes ____ No ____

17. Do you have to financial resources sufficient to support yourself and/or your family for 12 – 18
months, without your present income?
Yes ____ No ____

18. Do you have proven, successful sales experience and skills?

Yes ____ No ____

19. Do you have marketing skills and/or experience?

Yes ____ No ____

20. Are you comfortable delegating responsibilities and critical tasks to others whom you believe to be
competent?
Yes ____ No ____

21. Would you hire someone who has more business or are better skilled than yourself?
Yes ____ No ____

22. Do you enjoy praising others for good ideas and doing good work?
Yes ____ No ____

23. Are you good at organizing and prioritizing assignments – Plan your work; Work your plan?
Yes ____ No ____

24. Do your peers and co-workers regard you as a leader?

Yes ____ No ____

25. Are you comfortable taking risk?

Yes ____ No ____
Self – evaluation of your entrepreneurial aptitude:
25 “YES” Answers: Congratulations! You show a strong aptitude for entrepreneurship. With a viable business
idea and plan, enhanced with business mentoring by experienced, successful entrepreneurs, there is a high
probability that you could be a successful entrepreneur. We suggest that you take either Course A01 or A02
to search for an idea or validate an idea you have.
22 – 24 “YES” Answers: You have many traits which are compatible with those of successful entrepreneurs.
Chances are, you have missed the good fortune of being close to an entrepreneurial enterprise or acquainted
with successful entrepreneurs. If you have a new business idea, we recommend you take the first step
toward entrepreneurship by reserving ASE Course A02., Viability of a New Business Venture.
18 – 21 “YES” Answers: You indicate a potential for entrepreneurship.
You may simply need inspiration and self-­­confidence. Entrepreneurship can be learned. You first need to
have a business idea about which you are passionate. For a small investment of time and cost, learn the
elements for determining the feasibility of your idea in the marketplace.
If you do not feel strongly about your idea-­­generating ability or your risk-­­taking ability, you may wish to
consider a franchise.
15 -­­ 17 “Yes” Answers: Your best “first” step for becoming an entrepreneur is to become associated with
business owners through either working at a small business and/or joining a small business association or an
entrepreneurial club. Review and assess those questions which you answered “NO.”
Less than 15 “Yes” Answers: If your company has an Intrapreneuring program, think about presenting your
business idea to management. Before doing so, be certain that your company will allow you to develop an
idea and will protect your intellectual property. Download our “Internal Business Plan” template and start
thinking about how you might ‘sell’ your plan to senior management. We also recommend you reserve ASE
Course S02, Intrapreneurship. Intrapreneurship allows you to test the viability of your idea along with
enhancing managerial and leadership skills through running a company business unit.