The lure of entrepreneurial freedom and wealth compels many adventurous individuals to try to beat the odds-to become the one in four business start-ups in the U.S. that survives the first four years. And now, with corporate downsizing and deteriorating economic conditions, more than 550,000 new businesses are launched in the U.S. every year. So how does one identify the challenges that await the new business owner, and more importantly, how can you boost your odds for success?

Learn from others who have "been there, done that." In "Ten Successful Startups," you'll discover how these...