Contrary to what many of us might think, a new report suggests that the vast majority of entrepreneurs who start a business are NOT motivated by money as much as they are a number of other key factors. In fact, money doesn’t even crack the top three, settling in at fourth place on the list.

No, when it comes to starting a business of their own, today’s entrepreneurs are first and foremost simply looking for the freedom to pursue new and exciting business opportunities. They don’t want to be tied down or have to rely on any external source for their income and professional development or potential.

Secondly, entrepreneurs want to follow their personal passion. Loving what they do, while it may not be enough in and of itself to sustain a business over the long-term, seems to play a vital role in keeping today’s entrepreneur energized, engaged and moving forward with a true sense of purpose.

In third place? Perhaps it should be no surprise that entrepreneurs say the desire to escape the control of others is even more important than the almighty dollar, proving once again that if you show us an entrepreneur, we’ll show you someone who relishes their independence.

Commissioned by business coaching leader EMyth, the second annual 2013 State of the Business Owner (SOBO) Report surveyed more than 1,700 business owners worldwide in an effort to gain insight into their values, concerns and the daily challenges they face. For more information on the survey’s findings, go to stateoftheowner.com now!

HOT TOPIC! Do you think freedom, passion and independence rank higher than money as reasons for starting a business of your own? Why or why not? What other reasons would you add to that list? Tell us what you think…