u can start a business, hire

"Having a business and working at it versus investing in a business are two vastly different things. Recieving the profit from an investment is appropriate. Receiving a salary or other compensation
from a business is not appropriate."

If you want to start a business then somehow get a H1 through that business, then you can work for that business.

Bottom line is, H1 is employer specific. You can only work for the petitioning employer. But you are allow to make investments, like in stocks or invest in your own company, you just can't get a salary from that company unless you get a H1 from the company first. So you better find yourself a good lawyer before you start to make sure you won't overstep the boundries.