Nearly half of Canadians want to start a business in 2026 — but many don’t know where to begin.

Only 11% of respondents said they feel “very prepared” to launch, suggesting that while interest in self-employment is widespread, confidence and clarity remain in short supply.

Ambition is high — readiness is not

The survey points to what Ownr describes as “preparation anxiety” among would-be founders. While 87% of aspiring entrepreneurs have considered quitting their current jobs to start a business, with 17% thinking about it daily, many remain stalled by uncertainty around finances, regulations and risk.

“Ambition is not the problem in Canada; it’s the activation that’s broken,” said Jordan Casey, CEO of Ownr, in a statement. Casey also noted the complexity of business setup and compliance as key obstacles preventing people from moving forward.

What’s holding Canadians back

When asked what’s stopping them from launching a business, respondents cited a mix of financial and emotional barriers:

• Not feeling financially ready (45%)
• Fear of failure (41%)
• Confusion around compliance, including legal and tax requirements (32%)

The findings suggest that access to capital alone isn’t the main issue. Many aspiring entrepreneurs say they need help navigating the basics of business ownership — particularly registration, documentation and ongoing compliance — before they feel confident enough to take the leap.

When asked where they need the most support, respondents prioritized compliance navigation (43%) and business setup (42%), ahead of funding itself.

A slower, more cautious path to entrepreneurship

The data also points to a shift in how Canadians are thinking about entrepreneurship. Rather than quitting jobs outright, many appear interested in easing into business ownership gradually — through side hustles or incremental launches that reduce financial risk.

That approach reflects broader economic uncertainty, including higher living costs and tighter household budgets, which make all-or-nothing career moves naturally much less appealing.

For many Canadians, starting a business is no longer about rapid growth or disruption. Instead, it’s about flexibility, supplemental income and long-term autonomy — goals that often require careful planning rather than immediate action.

According to RBC, the survey paints a picture of Canadians who are motivated but cautious. Interest in entrepreneurship remains strong, but turning ideas into registered, operational businesses continues to hold many would-be business owners back.

As 2026 begins, the challenge for aspiring founders may be less about finding viable business ideas, and more about navigating the practical steps that transform intention into a sustainable and successful business.