Is an MBA Essential to Starting a Business?

I came across this article today about why entrepreneurs need an MBA. Having received my MBA, I thought about this article critically. When I finished my undergraduate degree, I was really excited about intrapreneurship (being entrepreneurial within an existing business) and didn't think owning a business was right for me at that time. After some life experiences and studying for my masters, I changed my goals. Being surrounded by other successful, inspiring entrepreneurs got me excited, too. Plus, I learned the tools that were previously holding me back from starting a business. I'm still incorporating what I wanted to do as an undergrad, however. I am still passionate about entrepreneurial thinking within an established company, and I'm excited about helping entrepreneurs open a business.  And lucky for my clients, they don't need the MBA because they are tapping into my expertise. So... no, an MBA is definitely not essential to starting a business. Can it help? Yes! Remember, 9 out of 10 businesses fail. How are you going to help protect yourself to be the 1 that succeeds?