Req 3 — Interviewing an Entrepreneur
Reading about entrepreneurship in a book is one thing. Sitting across from someone who actually took the leap — who risked their savings, lost sleep over payroll, and figured things out on the fly — is something else entirely. This requirement puts you face-to-face with the real deal.
Finding an Entrepreneur to Interview
You probably know more entrepreneurs than you realize. Think about:
- Local business owners — the person who runs the pizza shop, hair salon, auto repair garage, or gym in your town
- Parents, relatives, or family friends who own businesses or freelance
- Your troop or pack community — ask around at meetings; many Scout families include business owners
- Farmers’ market vendors — these entrepreneurs are often happy to talk about their journey
- Small online sellers — someone who runs an Etsy shop, YouTube channel, or freelance business counts
Preparing for the Interview
Walking in with a plan makes the difference between a great interview and an awkward one. The requirement tells you exactly what topics to cover. Here is how to organize your questions:
Educational Background
- What is the highest level of education you completed?
- Did you study anything related to your business in school?
- Are there skills you wish you had learned earlier?
Early Work Experiences
- What jobs did you have before starting this business?
- How did those jobs prepare you for running your own company?
- Did you have any business experience as a teenager?
The Business Idea
- Where did the idea for your business come from?
- How did you know there was a market for it?
- Did the idea change or evolve before you launched?
Starting Up
- What were the first steps you took to start the business?
- How long did it take from idea to opening day?
- What was the biggest surprise during the startup process?
Raising Capital
- How much money did you need to get started?
- Where did that money come from? (Personal savings, loans, investors, family?)
- If you could do it again, would you raise money differently?
Successes and Challenges
- What is your proudest moment as a business owner?
- What was the hardest challenge you faced?
- Did you ever think about giving up? What kept you going?
Current Status
- How is the business doing today?
- How has it changed from your original vision?
- What advice would you give to a young person thinking about starting a business?
Interview Preparation Checklist
Complete these steps before your interview
- Identify and contact the entrepreneur at least one week in advance.
- Confirm the date, time, and location (or video call link).
- Write out your questions in a notebook or on a printed sheet.
- Bring a pen and notebook for taking notes (or ask permission to record).
- Dress neatly — your Scout uniform is a great choice.
- Prepare a brief introduction of yourself and why you are conducting the interview.
- Plan to arrive five minutes early.
During the Interview
Listen more than you talk. Your job is to learn, not to impress. Take notes on key details — especially stories, numbers, and advice that surprise you. If the entrepreneur says something you do not understand, ask them to explain. That curiosity is a strength, not a weakness.
Follow up on interesting answers. If they mention a major challenge, ask “What did you do about it?” If they describe their first sale, ask “How did that feel?” The best interviews are conversations, not interrogations.
After the Interview
Within 24 hours, send a thank-you note — a handwritten card, email, or text. Then organize your notes into a summary you can share with your counselor. Focus on:
- The entrepreneur’s path from idea to launch
- How they funded the business
- The biggest challenge they faced and how they handled it
- The most surprising thing you learned
- How their story connects to the skills from Req 2