More than half of small businesses owners (52%) say the top reward of owning a company is having the freedom to control your own destiny, according to a recent report from Manta.

Other benefits frequently cited by small business owners include not having a boss (23%) and increased self-confidence (7%). Only 4% of small business owners surveyed say money is the top reward.

Nearly three-quarters of respondents (72%) say owning their own company gives them more freedom, though 21% say they now have more responsibility and less independence as a small business owner.

Below, additional key findings from the report, which was based on data from a survey of 1,105 small business owners in the United States.

Barriers to Independence

  • 29% of respondents say the performance of the overall economy is the biggest barrier to their independence as a small business owner.
  • 28% say marketing/worrying about new customers is a major barrier to feeling free; 20% cite worrying about money/financial stability; and 7% say the fixed costs necessary to run their business are a major issue.

Technology

  • 39% of respondents say the Internet is the technology most critical to maintaining their independence as an entrepreneur.
  • 32% say their mobile phone is the most important piece of tech that enables freedom.

Small Businesses in 2014

  • 68% of respondents say the first half of 2014 was a successful period for their small business.
  • 83% are optimistic about their business prospects for the second half of 2014.

For more findings from the survey, check out the infographic:

About the research: The report was based on data from an online survey conducted between June 4 and 10, 2014 of 1,105 small businesses owners in the United States who are members of Manta.com.


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The Biggest Reward of Owning a Small Business [Infographic]

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

image of Ayaz Nanji

Ayaz Nanji is a writer, editor, and a content strategist. He is a co-founder of ICW Media and a research writer for MarketingProfs. He has worked for Google/YouTube, the Travel Channel, and the New York Times.

LinkedIn: Ayaz Nanji

Twitter: @ayaznanji