However, survey reveals strong entrepreneurial ambition is tempered by execution uncertainty
Nearly half of Canadians are eyeing entrepreneurship in 2026, according to a new national survey, but a significant share are unclear on how to actually bring those plans to life.
Data from Ownr’s 2026 Entrepreneurial Outlook reveals that 46% of respondents say starting a business is on their agenda for the year ahead, suggesting a notable surge in entrepreneurial intent among Canadians. But that optimism is counterbalanced by unease about the practical side of business creation, with 31% admitting they’re ‘stuck on next steps.’
The research highlights a pervasive sense of what Ownr describes as “preparation anxiety” among aspiring founders. While some are contemplating leaving their current employment to pursue self-employment, only a small fraction feel truly equipped to launch.
“Ambition is not the problem in Canada; it's the 'activation' that's broken,” says Jordan Casey, CEO of Ownr. “This data shows that Canadians are ready to work for themselves, but they're being sidelined by a complex administrative landscape, and a lack of education and support.”
The survey identifies key barriers holding back prospective entrepreneurs:
- A large portion cite not feeling financially prepared (45% ) and fear of failure (41%) as primary deterrents to starting a business.
- Compliance concerns such as understanding legal requirements and taxes were flagged by 32%of respondents.
- Beyond money, many aspiring business owners are looking for assistance with business setup and compliance rather than just funding.
As more Canadians look beyond traditional employment toward business ownership, understanding these motivational and practical roadblocks will be crucial for advisors guiding clients through entrepreneurial transitions.
