Owning a business may appear to be the pinnacle of the American Dream. It's no surprise that being a small business owner appeals to so many individuals. You can be your own boss, set your own hours, and answer no one but yourself. While working for oneself may seem appealing, most people are unprepared for the time, money, patience, and study required to start a business. It's critical to understand what will be required of you to start and run a small business before deciding whether it's right for you.