getting started

I need some cash!!! I have worked in the business since i was 15. now 13 years later im tired of making other people money. I started washing dishes and now have moved up to gm of a shop doing about 1.5 in sales. Need help moving into ownership. I have gm’ed for absentee owners so i have experience paying bills doing the books and marketing to name just a few of my day to day responsibilities. to be honest im nervous in this economis climate to start a new business. What im asking is do you owners out there feel its to risky to start a shop now, and if not what is your feeling on going to a bank vs. going to a private investor( though i most certainly am not a have wealthy relatives who have showed intrest in perhaps investing). thaks any responses would be appreciated.