This study analyzes the determinants of entry into business ownership (defined as ownership of private incorporated businesses). Entrants into business ownership are defined as individuals who were primarily business owners in 2016, but not in 2015. An individual can become an entrant by starting an enterprise or acquiring shares of an existing private enterprise. Using a matched employer?employee database over the 2011-to-2016 period for approximately 24 million individuals, this study assesses the role of factors including personal characteristics, labour market experience and family characteristics.