The field of entrepreneurship  leaves behind a landscape littered with the remnants of entrepreneurial dreams. Failure rates of new small businesses especially in Southern Africa is upward of 80%. It is imperative that we delve into the drivers of these failures to avoid repetition of the same mistakes.  Common reasons include: 1. Access to funding 2. Inadequate business skills 3. absence of digital tools and techniques 4. Fierce competition Therefore, before taking a chance at business,  entrepreneurs must equip themselves with the skills, mindset, and discipline needed to survive and thrive in the harsh business world.