What is a Company?

Company

A business or association usually formed to manufacture or supply products or services for profit.

Corporation

A company legally separate from stockholders who own it and the managers who run it.

Partnership

A company owned and managed by two or more people who share its profits or losses. This type of company is not separate from its owners, who are liable for the company's debts.

Sole-proprietorship

A company owned and run by one individual who receives its profits or bears its losses. This company is not separate from its owner, who is liable for the company debts.

Private corporation

A company that doesn't sell shares to the public. You cannot buy shares of a this type of company in the stock market.

Entrepreneur

A person who organizes, operates, and assumes the risk for a business venture.

Public corporation

The stock of this type of company is owned and traded by individuals and institutional investors.