Catherine is away this week, so I’m stepping in with a quick thought for Youth Day.

One of my favourite parts of my job is hearing the stories of entrepreneurs. What always strikes me is how rarely the beginning or the journey looks the way we imagine it should.

We often admire people once their story is polished. The business has grown, the qualification is complete, and the award has been won. But most beginnings are quieter than that. They start with an idea, a skill, a small opportunity, or simply a decision to try, even without knowing exactly how things will turn out.

Journeys rarely begin with everything neatly in place. There isn’t always a perfect plan or all the resources needed to move forward. Progress typically starts with what’s available and grows from there.

Of course, support matters. Access to information, mentorship, and resources can make a real difference. But waiting for every piece of the puzzle to fall into place can also keep good ideas and good people standing still.

Sometimes the next step is simply asking for help, testing an idea, or taking something informal and giving it structure. These actions may seem small at the time, but small steps create momentum, and momentum has a way of opening doors that once seemed out of reach.

This Youth Month, let’s celebrate both big dreams and the practical actions that turn possibility into progress. Every achievement we admire today was once an ordinary beginning.

That’s why we’re hosting Start with what you have, a webinar for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs who want to make the most of the skills, ideas, and resources already within reach. Please share this opportunity with anyone waiting for the “right time” to start.