Why is this an either-or question? They're both factors, but probably minimal compared to simple economics. Small businesses are experiments, and big companie

Why is this an either-or question? They're both factors, but probably minimal compared to simple economics. Small businesses are experiments, and big companies are experiments so successful that they've become formulas. Big chains know their business, demographic requirements, and financial projections so well that they can determine before hand whether they will succeed in a given area. This is also why you rarely see them fail or fold. Imagine starting a startup if you had to compete directly with companies that already knew how to win the game you're learning. Internet/software startups give you so much more advantage because you can play an entirely different game that big companies aren't suited to.