41% joined the family business 

36% wanted more control over their future 

27% tired of working for someone else 

5% were downsized or laid off 

*Source: Dun & Bradstreet 19th Annual Small Business Survey May 2000. Totals add up to more than 100% because respondents could choose more than one reason for going into business for themselves. This was published in the May 2001 issue of INC magazine.