Many rural residents and public policymakers argue strongly for making it as easy as possible for people to start up a farm or other rural business, and for supporting a strong family-based system of business organizations in the US. The economic landscape that determines circumstances under which new farms and rural businesses are likely to be successful are examined, and changes in those circumstances are explored. Alternatives in financing new ventures are discussed, and some measurable differences in financial characteristics between startup firms and established firms in North Dakota are presented. Finally, implications for rural leaders are drawn from these differences, including the impact on credit evaluation procedures.