What Is a Business?
The term business refers to an organization or enterprising entity engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities. The purpose of a business is to organize some sort of economic production of goods or services. Businesses can be for-profit entities or non-profit organizations fulfilling a charitable mission or furthering a social cause. Businesses range in scale and scope from sole proprietorships to large, international corporations.
The term business also refers to the efforts and activities undertaken by individuals to produce and sell goods and services for profit.
Key Takeaways
- A business is defined as an organization or enterprising entity engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities.
- Businesses can be for-profit entities or non-profit organizations.
- Business types range from limited liability companies to sole proprietorships, corporations, and partnerships.
- Some businesses run as small operations in a single industry while others are large operations that spread across many industries around the world.
- Apple and Walmart are two examples of well-known, successful businesses.
Understanding Business
The term business often refers to an entity that operates for commercial, industrial, or professional reasons. The concept begins with an idea and a name, and extensive market research may be required to determine how feasible it is to turn the idea into a business.
Businesses often require business plans before operations begin. A business plan is a formal document that outlines the company’s goals and objectives and lists the strategies and plans to achieve these goals and objectives. Business plans are essential when you want to borrow capital to begin operations.
Determining the legal structure of the business is an important factor to consider, since business owners may need to secure permits and licenses and follow registration requirements to begin legal operations. Corporations are considered to be juridical persons in many countries, meaning that