small business

You use this phrase as a noun. You can say you 'own' one, 'work for' one, or 'support' one. It is a very positive term. People feel proud to shop at a small business. You can use it to describe a shop, a tech startup, or even a solo consultant. Just remember, it is about scale and independence.

Use it when you want to sound supportive of your community. It is great for social media captions like 'Shop small!' Use it in professional settings to describe your career background. It is perfect for explaining why you prefer a local cafe over a chain. Use it when discussing the economy or local jobs. It sounds warm and hardworking.

Do not use it for massive companies with thousands of employees. Even if a company feels 'friendly,' if it is on the stock market, it is not a small business. Avoid using it as an insult. Calling someone's project a small business when they want to be a global empire might hurt their feelings. Don't use it for hobbies that don't make money.

In English-speaking cultures, the small business owner is a hero. They represent the 'American Dream' or the 'local spirit.' There is a huge movement called 'Small Business Saturday.' It happens right after Thanksgiving in the US. People are encouraged to skip the big malls. Instead, they spend money at local shops to keep the neighborhood alive. It is about 'keeping it local.'

You will often hear SMB in professional emails. This stands for 'Small and Mid-size Business.' People also say mom-and-pop shop for very small, family-run stores. If someone works alone, they might call themselves a solopreneur. Another common phrase is shop local. This is the action of supporting these businesses. It is all about that personal, human touch.