Entrepreneur vs. Small Business Owner. What’s the Difference?

In recent years, the term "entrepreneur" has become increasingly popular in popular culture, especially in the world of small business. While this term used to be reserved for the likes of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, today's entrepreneurs are a diverse group of people who are passionate about their work and committed to making a difference in their communities. Small business owners, in particular, have been reclaiming the word "entrepreneur" and are using it to describe themselves and their businesses.

An entrepreneur is defined as “a person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so.” However, our vision of entrepreneurship has been shaped in large part by Silicon Valley and its all-consuming culture—predominantly white, male, and highly connected. But entrepreneurship is not just an adventure of the privileged few. Every day, in every community in America, someone takes a bold step to own their own business. They're your neighborhood coffee shop, or the dry cleaner around the corner, or the reliable plumber you can call at any hour. Entrepreneurs are everywhere, if we just take the time to notice — small businesses that make a big difference for our communities and our economy.?

At the same time, most of the entrepreneurs who Start Small Think Big partners with are at the very beginning of their business journey—an important nuance that “small business owner” does not adequately capture. While a small business could be operating for decades, our community faces significant risks and uncertainties as new business owners.

One of the reasons that small business owners are reclaiming the word "entrepreneur" is that it allows them to connect with a larger community of like-minded individuals with aligning entrepreneurial experiences. By identifying as an entrepreneur, small business owners can tap into a network of resources and support that can help them grow their businesses and overcome challenges. They can attend conferences, join networking groups, and connect with other entrepreneurs online to share ideas and learn from one another.

It also reflects the changing nature of work in the 21st century. Many people are no longer satisfied with the traditional 9-to-5 job and are instead seeking out opportunities to work for themselves and create something meaningful. The rise of the gig economy and the increasing popularity of remote work have made it easier than ever for people to start their own businesses, and the term "entrepreneur" has become a way to describe this new breed of worker.

Of course, being an entrepreneur is not easy. Small business owners face a wide range of challenges, from funding their businesses to marketing their products to managing their time effectively. However, by embracing the term "entrepreneur" and connecting with other like-minded individuals, small business owners can find the support they need to overcome these obstacles and succeed in their ventures.

The term "entrepreneur" is no longer reserved for the Silicon Valley elite.

Small business owners around the world are reclaiming this term and using it to describe themselves and their businesses. By doing so, they are tapping into a larger community of like-minded individuals and embracing the changing nature of work in the 21st century. Whether you are a small business owner or someone considering starting your own business, the word "entrepreneur" is a powerful symbol of the potential and possibilities of entrepreneurship.

Be a partner that creates connection, witnesses growth, and is a part of change. Start Small Think Big makes space to redefine success in entrepreneurship.

Become a Volunteer

Become a Corporate Partner

Make a Donation