Jane Assessment

The questions on this page are about how you started your business.

Thinking about the business you currently own, how did you begin?

Started the company with my own idea
Bought a franchise
Joined a multi-level marketing business
It was a family business that already existed before I came/bought into it
It was a business that I purchased from someone else (not family)
other

What type of business do you own?

How long have you owned your business?

Less than 1 year
1 year but less than 2 years
2-3 years
4-5 years
6-9 years
10+ years

Which of the following items were factors in your decision to start/take over this business? (Check all that apply)

Had a big dream/vision for a company
Wanted to be an entrepreneur/to own a business
Wanted to meet the needs of a specific group of customers
Wanted to be able to choose who you work with
Wanted to be able to be home more for family/children
Wanted to be an expert in your field
Wanted to be in control of your future
Wanted to have employees/to create jobs
Wanted to show what you could do
Tired of "corporate politics"
Wanted financial freedom
Wanted more time to do what you wanted to do
Tired of having a boss
Other

When you started, did you have other sources of income besides this business? (Check all that apply)

Yes, had income from my own employment
Yes, had income from my spouse's/significant other's employment/business
Yes, had income from sources other than employment (investments, etc.)
No, this business was my household's sole income

Did you borrow money to become a business owner, either to start the business or to support yourself while the business became profitable? (Check all that apply)

Yes, borrowed from family and friends
Yes, I got a business loan from a bank
Yes, I used personal credit/debt/home equity
No, I used my savings
No, I had another source of funds that covered the business and supporting myself