Business Glossary

individual who has the initiative to start an enterprise with its associated responsibilities, obligations, and risks. The entrepreneur usually hires people to work for him.

person who takes on the risks of starting a new business. Many entrepreneurs have technical knowledge with which to produce a saleable product or to design a needed new service. Often, venture capital is used to finance the startup in return for a piece of the equity. Once an entrepreneur's business is established, shares may be sold to the public as an Initial Public Offering , assuming favorable market conditions.

individual who initiates business activity. The term is often associated with one who takes business risks.

an individual who generates business activity. A businessman or businesswoman. Often associated with one who takes business risks.

Examples: Businesses owned by entrepreneurs include:

• auto dealerships
• restaurants
• retail stores
• wholesale distributing companies