Entrepreneurial processes are complex processes. They cannot be reduced to a few phases in a linear and predetermined sequence. Complexity also implies that it is difficult, given the diversity of situations, to identify regularities and cause–effect relations. In this respect, attempting to model the process is a perilous exercise that should be attempted with precaution. Aware of this pitfall, Bruyat (1993) carefully delimited the application scope of his model of new venture creation process. He also introduced the notion of canonical model, to distinguish his approach from other works with a more operational objective and that focus on more homogeneous types of creation. The process model we will develop in this chapter relies on a similar perspective. What we present here is a meta-model designed to be applicable to all the processes that support the entrepreneurial act.

An entrepreneurial process is made up of various decisions, actions and orientations based on how the individuals perceive and analyse situations, according to their goals, motivations, resources and environment. In the teleological perspective, it is the actor's perceived instantaneous strategic configuration that controls and pilots the process. Bruyat (1993) also examines these mechanisms in his approach to the business start-up process. His idea is above all to identify pivotal moments, changes in the activity or effort rhythm, and changes in the rhythm of important or irreversible intermediary decisions. While an arbitrary procedure, breaking down a process into elements is an interesting means better to apprehend and understand a complex process.