small business

American  

[smawl biz-nis] / ˈsmɔl ˈbɪz nɪs /

noun

1. a profit-seeking enterprise or concern that is independently owned and operated, has a limited number of employees, and is not nationally dominant in its field.

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Etymology

Origin of small business

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

Amazon’s current cards aimed at small business customers are run through American Express.

From The Wall Street Journal

"When you're trying to run and operate a small business and a particular company has complete control of that business, is a challenge," Chris said.

From BBC

She might return home and start a small business with her husband.

From BBC

Small Business Administration noted that 99.9% of all U.S. companies were considered small businesses, which are defined as those with fewer than 500 employees.

From MarketWatch

But they were starting to get annoyed and confused about what kind of small business, exactly, Gil seemed to be running here.

From Slate