Business Plan

A document setting out a business's objectives and how it will achieve them

Start Up

A new business

Internal Growth

Business expansion without taking over or merging with another business (organic growth)

External Growth

Business expansion taking over or merging with another business )

Sole Trader

"A business owned by one person who is responsible for all decisions, capital invested and risk."

Partnership

"Two or more people join to set up a business. Shared decision making, capital invested and risk."

Private Limited Company

Incorporated business with shares sold to friends and family. Limited liability.

Public Limited Company

Incorporated business with shares sold to general public. Limited liability.

Joint Venture

Two companies share capital and expertise on a project. Share risks and profits.

Franchise

Buying the license to use another companies logo and sell their products.

Unincorporated Business

No separation between the company and the owners in law

Incorporated Business

Business is a separate legal entity - separation between owners and the company

Limited Liability

Owners responsibility for company debts restricted to what they have invested

Unlimited Liability

Owners personal assets may be taken to pay for debts of the company.

Public Corporation

Government owned organisation set up to provide service to the public

Business Objectives

Aims or targets a business sets out to achieve

Social Enterprise

private enterprise which uses profits to persue environmental or social objectives

Internal Stakeholders

Individual or group inside the business impacted by the business activity (owners/shareholders, managers, employees)

External Stakeholders

person or group outside the business impacted by the business activity

Grant

capital given by a government to a business to assist with start up costs, innovation or business growth