2. Sole Proprietorship
1 One-person operation
🕺
Easy to set up and manage
with low costs and low
regulation. Sole owners
have complete control over
their business.
2 Unlimited personal
liability 💰
Owners are personally
responsible for all the debts
and obligations incurred by
the business.
3 Tax advantages 🧾
Business income is reported on the owner's personal tax return,
simplifying tax filings.
3. Partnership
Types of Partnerships
General, Limited, and Joint Venture -
each with different levels of responsibility,
liability, and profit-sharing.
Partnership Agreement
A legal agreement that outlines the
responsibilities of each partner, the
distribution of profits and losses, and
dispute resolution.
Advantages
Shared decision-making, complementary
skills, shared risk, and easy start-up
process.
4. Cooperative
Owned and governed by
members 🧾
Members pool resources and
decision-making power, sharing
profits and losses.
Democratic control and
participation 🗳🧾
Members have equal voting rights
and participate in the decision-
making process.
Social responsibility and
sustainability 🌍
Cooperatives operate based on
ethical and socially responsible
principles, promoting the well-being
of members and the community.
Examples of Cooperatives
Credit unions, agricultural cooperatives, worker cooperatives, and housing cooperatives.
5. Corporation
1
Legal entity 💼
A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners,
making it responsible for its debts and obligations. It can also
own assets, sue and be sued, and pay its own taxes.
2
Shareholders and Board of Directors 👥
Shareholders own the corporation by owning shares, and
the Board of Directors is elected by the shareholders to
oversee the corporation's operations.
3
Advantages of Incorporation
Limited liability for shareholders, access to capital markets,
perpetual existence, and tax flexibility.
6. Non-Profit Organization
Types of Non-Profit Organizations
Charities, Foundations, Social
Enterprises, and Membership
Organizations - all working towards a
common social, cultural, environmental or
religious mission.
Advantages
Tax exemptions, access to grants and
donations, no shareholders and possibility
for government funding.
Challenges
Fundraising, regulations, public relations,
and competition with other non-profits.
7. Choosing the Right Business Organization
Factors to Consider
Ownership and control, liability,
taxes, funding, costs, complexity, and
legal requirements.
Get Professional Advice
Consult an attorney, accountant, or
business advisor to help you make
the best decision for your venture.
Consider Your Long-Term
Goals
Think about where you want your
business to be in the future, and
choose the organization that can
best get you there.