This thesis aimed at discovering how the perceptions of a potential entrepreneur change during a five-day period of entrepreneurship coaching, in relation to what are seen as the most significant characteristics of an entrepreneur. The survey focused on the Viisi askelta yrittäjyyteen (Five steps to Entrepreneurship) coaching sessions offered in Lapland by Entrepreneurship Coaching Centre Intotalo.

The research method used was action research. Action research aims at developing existing practices. This thesis also examined the differences between individual and business oriented entrepreneurship, as well as the attributes contributing to the success of an entrepreneur, and different coaching methods which can support the further development of these attributes.

For the thesis, four coaching groups of Viisi askelta yrittäjyyteen (Five steps to entrepreneurship) coaching filled in a questionnaire form in order to define the five most significant attributes of an entrepreneur. The questions were answered both in the beginning and at the end of the coaching. The participants’ ideas of the most significant attributes of an entrepreneur were examined in the research based on the areas of individual competences in relation to entrepreneurship created by Pentti Sydänmaanlakka.

The results of the survey show that the contents of the Viisi askelta yrittäjyyteen (Five steps to entrepreneurship) coaching meets its objectives, also from the viewpoint of broadening the ideas the participants have of entrepreneurship. In conclusion, with regard to individual competences in relation to entrepreneurship, further deepening of psychological and physical competences were presented as the areas of development in the contents of entrepreneurship coaching.