7 Types of Businesses You Should Know About

If you are thinking of starting your own business, you might be wondering what type of business you should choose. There are many different types of businesses, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explain the main types of businesses and how they operate.

A business is an organization that provides goods or services to customers in exchange for money or other forms of value. Businesses can be classified into different categories based on their legal structure, ownership, taxation, and liability.

The most common types of businesses are:

– Sole proprietorship: This is the simplest and most common type of business. A sole proprietorship is a business that is owned and operated by one person. The owner has full control over the business and is responsible for all its debts and obligations. The owner also gets to keep all the profits. However, the owner also faces unlimited personal liability, meaning that their personal assets can be seized to pay off the business debts. A sole proprietorship does not have a separate legal identity from the owner and does not pay corporate taxes. Instead, the owner reports the business income and expenses on their personal tax return.

– Partnership: A partnership is a business that is owned and operated by two or more people who agree to share the profits and losses. Partnerships can be general or limited. In a general partnership, all partners have equal rights and responsibilities in managing the business and are personally liable for the business debts. In a limited partnership, there are two types of partners: general partners and limited partners. General partners have the same rights and responsibilities as in a general partnership, but limited partners only contribute money or property to the business and have no say in its management. Limited partners also have limited liability, meaning that they are only liable for the amount they invested in the business.

– Corporation: A corporation is a business that is legally separate from its owners. A corporation has its own name, assets, liabilities, and tax obligations. A corporation is owned by shareholders who elect a board of directors to oversee the business. The board of directors hires managers and employees to run the daily operations of the business. Shareholders have limited liability, meaning that they are only liable for the amount they invested in the business. However, shareholders also have limited control over the business and may face double taxation, meaning that they pay taxes on both the corporate income and the dividends they receive.

– Limited liability company (LLC): An LLC is a hybrid type of business that combines some features of a corporation and some features of a partnership. An LLC is owned by members who can be individuals, corporations, or other entities. Members have limited liability, meaning that they are only liable for the amount they invested in the business. Members also have more flexibility in how they manage and distribute the profits of the business. An LLC can choose to be taxed as a corporation or as a partnership, depending on its preferences.

– Cooperative: A cooperative is a business that is owned and operated by its members for their mutual benefit. Members can be customers, employees, suppliers, or other stakeholders who share a common goal or interest. Members elect a board of directors to oversee the business and participate in decision-making. Members also share the profits and losses of the business according to their contribution or usage. A cooperative can be taxed as a corporation or as a partnership, depending on its structure.

– Franchise: A franchise is a type of business that operates under a license from another company, called the franchisor. The franchisor grants the franchisee the right to use its name, logo, products, services, and business model in exchange for a fee and a percentage of sales. The franchisee benefits from the established reputation and support of the franchisor, but also has to follow its rules and standards. The franchisor benefits from expanding its market reach and customer base without investing in new locations or staff.

 

– Nonprofit: A nonprofit is a type of organization that operates for a social or charitable purpose rather than for profit. A nonprofit can provide goods or services to its beneficiaries or to the public at large. A nonprofit does not have owners or shareholders, but may have members who elect a board of directors to oversee the organization. A nonprofit does not pay income taxes on its revenue, but may have to pay taxes on unrelated business income or activities. A nonprofit may also receive tax-deductible donations from individuals or corporations.

These are some of the main types of businesses you should know about if you are planning to start your own venture. Each type has its pros and cons depending on your goals, resources, and preferences. You should consult with a professional advisor before choosing a type of business that suits your needs.

Types of Businesses: An Overview

Businesses are organizations that engage in commercial, industrial, or professional activities to produce goods or services. There are different types of businesses to choose from when forming a company, each with its own legal structure and rules. Typically, there are four main types of businesses: Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies (LLC), and Corporations [1]. Before creating a business, entrepreneurs should carefully consider which type of business structure is best suited to their enterprise.

Global Demand for Different Types of Businesses

The global demand for different types of businesses varies depending on the industry, market, and consumer preferences. Some businesses run as small operations in a single industry while others are large operations that spread across many industries around the world. According to the World Bank, the service sector accounted for 65% of the global GDP in 2020, followed by the industry sector with 25% and the agriculture sector with 10% [2]. However, these percentages may change over time due to factors such as technological innovation, environmental issues, social trends, and political events. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the demand for different types of businesses in different ways. Some businesses, such as online retail, e-commerce, health care, and delivery services, have seen an increase in demand due to social distancing measures and lockdowns. Other businesses, such as tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and aviation, have seen a decrease in demand due to travel restrictions and safety concerns [3].

References:

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/vertical-structure-vs-horizontal-structure-organization-4904.html

https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/types-of-businesses/
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NV.SRV.TETC.ZS
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/covid-19-business-models-companies/

https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/business.asp
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/types-of-businesses-2947966