3 Top Reasons Americans Start Their Own Business

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Small business owner
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The number of people starting small businesses has reached a record high. Millions of people have decided to become entrepreneurs and take their destiny into their own hands.

Recently, web hosting company GoDaddy asked more than 1,000 small-business owners why they decided to start their own business.

These entrepreneurs cited the following reasons for pursuing the dream of self-employment.

3. I’ve always dreamed of starting a business

Businesswoman opening her business for the day
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Respondents who said this is one of the top three reasons they started a business: 33%

Many people dream for years about starting a small business but never take the chance. For one-third of entrepreneurs, starting a small business simply came down to doing something they always have wanted to do.

2. I wanted to stay active in retirement

Senior woman and small business owner working on a tablet in her art studio making her hobby a business
pikselstock / Shutterstock.com

Respondents who said this is one of the top three reasons they started a business: 40%

Retirees who couldn’t wait to leave their job might be surprised to find themselves ready to work again. Of course, the big difference in starting a small business is that you are the boss and call all the shots.

1. I was looking to make some extra money

A black man in business attire works on a laptop computer at his desk
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Respondents who said this is one of the top three reasons they started a business: 48%

Many of today’s entrepreneurs are folks who already have a full-time job but want to develop a side hustle to bring in extra income.

If this is your motivation for starting a small business, check out the “9 Top-Paying Side Hustles Where You Could Earn More Than Full-Time Work.”

Starting your own business

Family-run small business
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There are many other reasons GoDaddy found that people start small businesses. Some of them include:

  • Believing I can have more success on my own: 32%
  • I had an idea for a new product or service: 25%
  • I wanted to contribute to my community: 24%
  • I wanted a career change: 20%
  • I lost my prior job and needed a new source of income: 20%
  • I wanted or needed more flexibility with my time: 14%
  • I wanted to have fun: 11%
  • I wanted to be my own boss: 6%
  • My business supports a cause or hobby about which I am passionate: 1%

If you dream of starting your own business, check out the “10 Cheap Business Ideas You Can Start for Less Than $1,000.”

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