Approximately 30% of people dreaming of independence and starting a business give up due to 'lack of funds.' Top necessary supports for taking the plunge are 'customer acquisition support,' 'fundraising,' and 'business plan development.'

Survey on the reality of the desire to "someday become independent or start a business"

"Someday I want to own my own store," "I want to compete with my own strength, free from corporate constraints."

Many people have probably harbored such thoughts.

As work styles diversify, interest in independence and starting a business is growing across all age groups.

However, the reality is that many cases remain just a dream, with individuals unable to take the first step despite their aspirations.

Therefore, this time, in collaboration with "Tenant Plaza," a brokerage specialist for tenants, rental stores, and rental offices in Kyoto, we conducted a survey on the reality of the desire to "someday become independent or start a business." The survey targeted 75 men and women nationwide who, in a preliminary survey, responded that they "currently or have in the past wanted to become independent or start a business."

*When quoting the content of this press release, please comply with the following:

・Clearly state that the source is "a survey by NEXER Co., Ltd. and Tenant Plaza, a brokerage specialist for tenants, rental stores, and rental offices in Kyoto."

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"Survey on the reality of the desire to 'someday become independent or start a business'" Survey Overview

Survey method: Internet questionnaire

Survey period: May 1, 2026 - May 9, 2026

Target respondents: Men and women nationwide who responded in a preliminary survey that they "currently or have in the past wanted to become independent or start a business."

Valid responses: 75 samples

Questions:

Question 1: Please tell us the reason.

Question 2: What industry did you want to (or did you) start a business in?

Question 3: What are the reasons why you have not (or could not) realize your dream of starting a business? (Multiple answers allowed)

Question 4: What is your biggest concern when taking the plunge to start a business?

Question 5: Please tell us the reason.

Question 6: What do you think is the "most necessary support" for taking the plunge to start a business?

Question 7: Please tell us the reason.

*As a general rule, figures are rounded to the first decimal place, so the total may not always be 100%.

What are the reasons for wanting to "become independent or start a business"?

First, we asked about the reasons for wanting to become independent or start a business.

Reasons for wanting to become independent or start a business

・Because I want to work for myself, not as an employee. (30s, male)

・I thought it would be easier if I could start my own business. (30s, female)

・Because I don't want to work for a company and I have things I want to do myself. (40s, male)

・Because I want to acquire the ability to earn without being employed. (40s, male)

・Because I really wanted my own store. (40s, female)

・Because I want to escape from organizational constraints. (50s, male)

Many voices expressed desires such as "I want to do what I want to do," "I don't want to be tied to an organization," and "I want to test my own abilities." The motivation for independence and starting a business seems to be supported not only by expectations of income but also by the desire to choose one's own way of working.

Including the career view of "wanting to acquire the ability to earn without being employed," independence appears to be perceived not merely as a career choice but as a life choice.

17.3% responded "restaurants" as the industry they wanted to (or did) start a business in

Next, we asked about the industry they wanted to (or did) start a business in.

The most common was "restaurants" at 17.3%.

This was followed by "service industry" at 13.3%, "offices" at 12.0%, "IT/Web related" at 9.3%, "retail/merchandise stores" at 8.0%, "beauty salons/salons" at 5.3%, "classes/schools" at 4.0%, and "medical/welfare related" at 1.3%.

"Other" accounted for a large 29.3%, indicating that the dream of independence and starting a business spans a truly diverse range of fields.

While traditionally popular restaurants still top the list, IT/Web related businesses and offices, which do not require a physical store, also account for a certain percentage of interest. It can be said that the diversification of work styles is reflected in the choices for starting a business.

32.0% responded "lack of funds" and "lack of management knowledge" as reasons for not realizing their business startup dream

Next, we asked about the reasons why they have not (or could not) realize their dream of starting a business.

The most common reasons were "lack of funds" and "lack of management knowledge," both tied at 32.0%.

This was followed by "anxiety about customer acquisition" at 21.3%, "fear of failure" at 17.3%, "timing is not right" and "busy with main job" both at 10.7%, "difficulty finding property" at 6.7%, and "family opposed" at 5.3%.

It was found that the two barriers of money and knowledge hinder business startup with almost equal weight.

Furthermore, with "anxiety about customer acquisition" and "fear of failure" following, it suggests that the factors for giving up on the dream of starting a business are not just one.