Question: what questions to ask a small business owner?
Answer: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? ... 
What was your mission at the outset? ... 
When did you "charter" the business? ... 
How many employees? ... 
What service(s) or product(s) do you offer/manufacture? ... 
How do you advertise your business? ... 
How do you advertise your product/service?