'May I' is not often heard now and most used is 'Can I...'

The answer is yes, but the first is what stops new entrepreneurs from getting up and achieving their goals.  Doubting whether you can do something leads to a need to get support from those we trust - our peers and family.  That is the problem.  In most cases those peers are not entrepreneurial in the least and all they see are the risks.  Before embarking on your support trip get the 'Can I' answers in place.

Then before you ask for support take your peers through your 'Can I' answers.

Now you will get objective assessment and a genuine second opinion.  The door is then open to get support.