The present study sought to add to our knowledge about forces that negatively affect an individual's decision to start a business by identifying barriers they encounter. By identifying barriers to starting a business, we stand to learn much about how an individual identifies, confronts, and responds to decisions which may seem to be beyond their control. Such data will be instrumental in developing practical applications for helping individuals overcome unresolved barriers that potentially prevent them from starting a business. An instrument was developed utilizing factor analysis and yielded a six-barrier construct. The barriers identified in this study were: lack of confidence, personal problems, lack of skills, start-up logistics, financial needs and time constraints. In addition, the instrument was also administered to a test group of new entrepreneurs participating in a training program to determine pre- and post-test intervention effects. The study concludes with suggestions for further development of the BEST tool as well as practical applications for program planners. (Contains 4 tables.)