Talk with a real person to confirm that your understanding is correct. Your personal credit record is something future lenders will request, so get familiar with what everyone will find out about you. Don't wait to be turned down, request your reports now so you can correct misinformation if you find any, since this takes a little time. Complete your financing homework. Figure out what it will cost you to start up a business, and to live while you're doing it.
Test drive the entrepreneurial life.
If you work in a large corporation, it's impossible to imagine what it is really like to start and run your own small company. Before you take the leap, do what you can to simulate the experience. For example, maybe you believe you could turn your great vocabulary, dry sense of humor, and special expertise into a successful speaking career. Get some practice now. That way if you find no one else thinks you're as inspiring as you do yourself, you can improve your delivery or change gears without endangering your lifestyle.