I don't know why you picked the 1920's. How about the 1950's through 1990? Those were good times to start a business. I am a life long business person and have owned many companies, most started from scratch. I can tell you that it is much harder these days for the very small start-up. First, independent "brick and mortar" retail is all but dead - the big box stores are dominant, and it's very, very hard to compete head on. Second, the barriers to entry are much higher - government regulations and big company competition makes it very hard. Third, the US economy is not growing like it used to - the pie is staying the same size and the only way to get traction is to take business from someone else.

Having said that, there are new and different opportunities - but it requires a skill set different from the past. The online marketplace has created niches for retail sales with a lower start-up, but you have to understand technology. There is also crowdfunding and stuff like that to take advantage of.

My advice to you is to develop tech understanding. Either learn to develop websites or find someone to provide that know-how. Business success these days is harder, but it can still be done.

And how would you explain Google, Facebook, and Elon Musk?

In the 20's you could open a hamburger stand without getting an EPA study, buying workers comp, have to deal with unemployment insurance, IRS regulations, zoning laws in many areas, health inspectors and sign ordinance enforcement. Ain't progress great?

Open a McDonald's franchise and it may be $1 million.

Definately Not! C-mon with all the tools like computers and cell phones and stuff

Its 2014, move on and do not focus on the past.

Best of luck

I was just wondering, do you think that in the 1920's (prior to the depression), it was easier for average people to start their own businesses and or achieve better financial achievements? To me it just feels like there were way more opportunities and more unexplored fields and crafts then there are now...seizing the opportunity to make money. What are your thoughts?