As a programmer who has used all these languages, I can safely say that, if you're thinking about starting with C, C++, Java or Visual Basic (or really any "general purpose" language), that you start out with C# instead. You can get an excellent
free C# compiler and IDE from Microsoft (although you could get the same for C++ or VB).
I say C# because a beginner can very quickly put together something half-useful with the form designer and such. And it's a very nice, intuitive language (as opposed to, say, VB). As I mentioned, the free IDE is first-rate.
Of course, you won't become brilliant overnight. It takes years of dedication to become a great programmer. My rough estimate is that it takes about 5 years to become really good at it.
As far as business-vs-programming goes - it's really up to you as to where you take this. You can do both, if you want. Steve did. Although most people who take this route start out with programming and learn business skills later. Programmers seem to be an entrepreneurial bunch. Or you could just do it on the side as a hobby.
The bottom line is - you can become as good at each of them as you find you need to be.