Startup stages & company states · Core
Small business
Also called: SME, small enterprise
ELI5
A smaller independently run business.
Used in conversation
“The small-business definition depends on the programme and jurisdiction.”
Definition
An independently owned business within applicable size thresholds, which vary by jurisdiction and industry.
Here “Small business” means: An independently owned business within applicable size thresholds, which vary by jurisdiction and industry.
Pitch context
You will see “Small business” in fundraising decks, data rooms, term sheets and investor conversations when the discussion reaches startup stages & company states.
Why it matters: It helps a reader interpret startup stages & company states without confusing the measure, decision, role or evidence being discussed.
Connected terms
- SMEThe search label “SME” can route to both entries.
- Subject-matter expertThe search label “SME” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 5
Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Small Business Capital Formation GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Exempt OfferingsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- National Venture Capital Association — Model Legal DocumentsSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- Y Combinator — Safe financing documentsSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- Y Combinator — Series A Term Sheet TemplateSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16