I know a lot of small business owners who were only able to strike out "on their own"...because their spouse worked for a large corporation (or the government).

I know a lot of small business owners who were only able to strike out "on their own"...because their spouse worked for a large corporation (or the government). They could afford to spend a few years getting it off the ground, supported by the family's other income (and health insurance). So, I suspect you're correct on this.