Canadian entrepreneurship ambitions hit eight-year high, but business structure matters more than starting one, research finds
By
The Conversation Jun 22, 2026 7:00 PM
Summary
Despite entrepreneurial ambitions reaching an eight-year high in Canada (59% of Canadians aspire to own a business), new research suggests that the structure of a business matters more than the decision to start one. While many workers feel they have plateaued and see entrepreneurship as a path to freedom and control, the article argues that being your own boss doesn't always pay off, and the way a business is structured is a more critical factor for success than simply becoming self-employed.
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Key quotes
· 3 pulledMore than 2.6 million Canadians work for themselves, and according to an annual RBC poll conducted in 2025, 59 per cent of Canadians aspire to own a business — the highest level since 2017.
A recent poll found that nearly two-thirds of people feel they have plateaued at work and see owning a business as their next move.
Being your own boss has become shorthand for freedom, control and finally getting ahead.
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