Here’s how each characteristic applies to the three types of business structures:
-
There is 1 owner.
- Sole Proprietorship: Yes
- General Partnership: No
- Corporation: No
-
There are 2 or more owners.
- Sole Proprietorship: No
- General Partnership: Yes
- Corporation: Yes (can have multiple shareholders)
-
There is unlimited liability.
- Sole Proprietorship: Yes
- General Partnership: Yes
- Corporation: No (limited liability)
-
Stocks may be issued to generate income.
- Sole Proprietorship: No
- General Partnership: No
- Corporation: Yes
In summary:
- Sole Proprietorship: 1 owner, unlimited liability
- General Partnership: 2 or more owners, unlimited liability
- Corporation: 2 or more owners, limited liability, can issue stocks