When Was Your Independence Day? Help us celebrate Independence Day. Send us a video describing the moment you decided to start your own business. The Entrepreneur.com community will vote on favorites through the July 4th weekend.

By Laura Lorber

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

When Was Your Independence Day?The upcoming July 4 holiday has us thinking about independence and what it means to small-business owners. The theme comes up often with entrepreneurs, particularly as a motivating factor for starting a business.

In a Facebook poll yesterday, we asked our Facebook fans about the main reason they became entrepreneurs. The overwhelming majority cited independence and a desire to be their own boss.

Do you remember the moment you decided to declare your entrepreneurial independence? Did you meet someone inspiring? Have an "aha" moment? Get fired? Maybe you always knew you'd start your own business.

This July 4th, we'd like you to join us in inspiring more people take the plunge into business ownership. Tell us how you decided to go for it. Upload a 30-second video describing the moment you committed to start your own business to your YouTube account and send us a link at editors@entrepreneur.com by Wed., June 29. We'll select the most inspiring ones and ask our community to vote for its favorites through the Independence Day weekend. It'll be a great way to celebrate what the holiday is all about.

Whoever gets the most votes will be awarded bragging rights in a follow-up blog post.

Take our Facebook poll or share your thoughts in the comments below.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Growing a Business

'Boring' Businesses Are Making Millionaires — and You Can Borrow Their Strategies For Success

The silent growth strategy reveals how understated, steady businesses are quietly creating wealth for entrepreneurs in 2025. By focusing on long-term consistency and incremental progress, these "boring" industries are proving to be gold mines for those willing to embrace stability over hype.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Science & Technology

Private Equity Firms Must Embrace These Cutting-Edge Innovations to Stay Competitive

Here's why private equity firms that invest in cutting-edge technology will be best positioned to navigate market challenges and seize new opportunities.

Business News

These Are the Highest-Paying Jobs Best Suited for Introverts, According to a New Report

Do you consider yourself an introvert? Here's how to find the best jobs (with the highest pay) suited for your personality.

Business News

Microsoft Leaked Internal Survey Reveals How Software Engineers Really Feel About Their $205,000 Median Pay

Is working at Microsoft a good deal? An internal survey shows how employees view the company.