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

The owner of the small antiques shop will talk to you for hours about every small business that has come and gone on his block.

From Los Angeles Times

He was able to do this thanks to connections he had maintained with US small business organisations, from his time studying business in Washington DC.

From BBC

As a college educated US-born citizen, Vora says he felt comfortable using his voice to raise awareness about the pricing pressures that are putting a strain small business owners.

From BBC

We asked the US Small Business Administration, the government agency responsible for supporting the sector, for a comment.

From BBC

Vora says he doesn't see any easy fix to help small business owners secure better prices from suppliers.

From BBC