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, indeed dozens of communities have organized Independent Business Alliances to help distinguish independent businesses from chains.

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.

See also

• Private company
• Camden Market
• Radio Row, Manhattan

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