In business, an independent business as a term of distinction generally refers to privately owned companies (as opposed to those companies owned publicly through a distribution of shares on the market). Independent businesses most commonly take the form of sole-proprietorships. "Independent" is frequently used to distinguish one-of-a-kind businesses from corporate chains or conglomerates.
Other terms of distinction used in addition to independent businesses include small business, locally-owned business and startup business, which have varying subtleties of distinction.
Independent is usually referred to as Indie.
Famous quotes containing the words independent and/or business:
“A wise parent humours the desire for independent action, so as to become the friend and advisor when his absolute rule shall cease.”
—Elizabeth Gaskell (1810–1865)
“Justice means minding one’s own business and not meddling with other men’s concerns.”
—Plato (427–347 B.C.)