How many do years do you have to go to college to start your own business?

Hi Sadie -- It's not the years. It's the combination of passion and knowledge. You have to pick something you are so interested in you won't mind the long hours and set backs. Then find someone who does that work really well and study them. Meet her if you can.
For instance, if you want to start a dog walking service (just a silly example), find someone everyone seems to know and respect and see if you can follow her on linked in or a dog walking forum. Look for chances to understand what makes her so good at what she does. Then you will know what to study and for how long.

Technically, you don't need a college degree to start your own business. However, it would be amazingly useful to go to college and get a degree in business. You need to understand how supply chains work, how to manage people, and basic economics.

Sadie,
There is no correct answer for this because successful entrepreneurs have been people with no college to others with several post-graduate degrees. Some have become successful without even completing high school. But, there are things to learn that can come from college such as: accounting and financial management, writing and speaking clearly and correctly, psychology and leadership. The best way to evaluate what college can mean to you is to evaluate what your basic skills are, what you re really interested in, what you are willing to work 16 hours a day to accomplish and then ask yourself what do I have to learn to fill in the gaps so I have the skills to apply to my new business.
Creativity, passion and determination are what are common to almost every successful entrepreneur. Then add the learned skills to fit your goals.

Good luck, and remember most successful entrepreneurs failed several times before they succeeded.

I agree with all of the points made above. The only other thing I would add is that there are certain qualities that separate successful entrepreneurs from unsuccessful entrepreneurs. By and large education, and college in particular will be very helpful for starting a traditional business be that a lawn service company or a retail store. When looking at software and technology startups it is about the idea and the ability to execute the vision that you have. Accounting Finance, and Management are still very helpful to understand - and will be needed at some point, but often the difference between success and failure is how quickly you can get to market with a unique idea or solution. As stated above, drive, and the ability to be self motivated and strongly believe in yourself and your idea is often the most important ingredient to success.

Hi,
I agree with James above. In addition, the network opportunities you can build on while attending college can help you and your business. I have had the opportunities to meet to many great individuals in school who have helped me, mentored me and provided guidance into the future.

Marie France