May 1, 2024
Updated May 11, 2025
23 minute read
A small business is typically a privately owned corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship that has fewer employees and less annual revenue than a large corporation. The specific definition of a small business can vary significantly by country and industry, often determined by factors like the number of employees or average annual receipts. For instance, in the United States, the Small Business Administration (SBA) generally defines a small business as having fewer than 500 employees for manufacturing businesses and less than $7.5 million in annual receipts for most non-manufacturing businesses, though these figures can change depending on the specific industry. In the European Union, the most common upper limit for a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) is 250 employees. These enterprises span a vast array of sectors, from retail shops and service providers to professional practices like those of lawyers and doctors.
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Find a path to becoming a Small Business. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/yetj8j/small
Reading list
We've selected 14 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Small Business.
This comprehensive textbook provides a thorough overview of all aspects of small business management, from start-up to growth and expansion. It valuable resource for aspiring and current small business owners.
This classic book challenges the traditional model of small business ownership and offers a practical framework for building a successful and sustainable business. It must-read for anyone considering starting or owning a small business.
This practical guide helps startups develop a customer base and achieve traction. It valuable resource for entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their business quickly and efficiently.
Introduces the Lean Startup methodology, which helps entrepreneurs build successful businesses by testing ideas quickly and cheaply. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to launch a new product or service.
This thought-provoking book challenges conventional wisdom about startups and innovation. It must-read for anyone who wants to create a truly disruptive business.
This classic book explores the challenges that large companies face when trying to innovate. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how to succeed in a rapidly changing business environment.
Provides a clear and concise framework for developing good strategy. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their strategic thinking skills.
Profiles eight successful CEOs who took unconventional approaches to building their businesses. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn from the experiences of successful entrepreneurs.
This practical guide provides advice on how to start and grow a business. It valuable resource for anyone who is considering starting their own business.
Provides honest and insightful advice on the challenges of building a successful business. It valuable resource for any entrepreneur who wants to learn from the experiences of others.
Challenges traditional business practices and offers practical advice on how to work more effectively. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their productivity and efficiency.
Promotes the idea of escaping the traditional 9-to-5 workweek and building a lifestyle of freedom and flexibility. It popular choice for entrepreneurs who want to achieve financial independence.
Provides practical advice on how to start a business with minimal investment. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to start a business but doesn't have a lot of money to invest.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of small business management. It valuable resource for anyone who is considering starting or owning a small business.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/yetj8j/small
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