Technical entrepreneurship serving industry: A personal story

As the job market has tightened, more professionals are considering entrepreneurship as an alternative career. Entrepreneurship built around unique personal talent and experience can convey valuable service to industry. Universities are offering entrepreneurship courses for non-business students. Starting a small chemical business can be a challenge. The authors review their experience starting a carbohydrate laboratory in Louisiana and discuss some of the lessons learned in the process. Sharing these ideas is often valuable to those considering taking similar steps. The current status of small business in the United States and the globe will be reviewed as well, focusing on innovative scientific businesses. © 2014 American Chemical Society.