As I am in the middle of opening one...
Some business are all about making a fortune. Especially software companies. All those apps and games that sell for a dollar for on your phone. And then there's the enterprise software for data management. Lots of money there.
But some are more about being a service. Oil, natural gas, food service, landscaping, skilled trades and etc.
You usually don't get rich from these(despite the perception)...but you can make a living.
I am in process of building a bread bakery and coffee shop. Lots of pieces and parts. Lots of government regulations. Building codes, permits, licenses, and equipment...not to mention lease contracts and etc. Then there's the jobs we are going to provide for the community.
If we create jobs... someone is going to be able to pay rent, feed and clothe themselves. I'm not going to get rich by any stretch of the imagination. I also am getting a LOT of work.
Despite the perception of business owners being wealthy...I live in an apartment just like so many others. I suppose I can buy a house...but I really don't want one. My wife has a job that provides benefits like health insurance and I have retired so I don't really need a 401k.
The investors will get their money back in three or four years. (Maybe)
I get a job basically... making sure that everyone I employ has a job tomorrow. It's not a "get rich quick" scheme by any stretch of the imagination...we deserve our wages and the money we get paid for coffee and bread.
We know the industry. We know what makes money...it's called "work".
God provides the success. I've seen some of the least intelligent people make absolutely smashing successful businesses. And I've seen some really aggressive and sharp guys make a small fortune out of several large ones.
And going into business is a lot like the song "burn the ships". Because there's no going back and ties have to be cut.
I'll be working from 3am until 3pm every day. Try having friends with that kind of schedule. Not exactly going to work out well.