Enterprise vs. Company: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 3, 2023
An "Enterprise" refers to a business or project undertaken, while a "Company" is a legal entity formed for business activities.
Key Differences
The term "Enterprise" is versatile and can refer to any endeavor, especially those that are associated with business or are of significant scale. It encapsulates the spirit of initiative, venture, and undertaking. An "Enterprise" might not always be linked to commercial activities but can refer to any large project or undertaking. On the other hand, a "Company" specifically denotes a legal entity recognized by the state, designed for business operations, and which can range from a single proprietorship to a multinational corporation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
In another perspective, "Enterprise" often implies a sense of ambition, risk, and initiative. It might be used to describe a new start-up venturing into uncharted territories or a significant project undertaken by an individual or group. A "Company," however, often implies structure, with its primary focus on business transactions, profit generation, and adherence to legal and corporate norms.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
When discussing scale, the term "Enterprise" is also used to signify something vast and complex. For instance, enterprise-level software solutions denote software designed for large organizations, focusing on scalability and robustness. A "Company," depending on its type (e.g., LLC, Inc., or Co.), can vary in scale and might not necessarily always be vast or complex.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
From a linguistic standpoint, while "Enterprise" and "Company" can sometimes be used interchangeably when referring to a business, the context matters. "Enterprise" has a broader scope, potentially referring to any significant undertaking or initiative. In contrast, a "Company" is always associated with formal business structures and operations.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Implication
Ambition, risk, and initiative
Structure, business operations, profit generation
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Usage in Language
Broad, can refer to projects or ventures
Specific to business entities
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Enterprise and Company Definitions
Enterprise
A system or facility provided by a business.
The car rental Enterprise offers various services.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
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Company
An association or interaction with someone.
I had the pleasure of your father's Company at the event.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Enterprise
A project or undertaking, especially a bold or complex one.
The moon landing was a historic Enterprise.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Enterprise
An initiative or willingness to undertake new projects.
His spirit of Enterprise made him a successful entrepreneur.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
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Enterprise
Relating to or available for large organizations.
Enterprise software solutions cater to big corporations.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Company
One's companions or associates
Moved in fast company.
Is known by the company she keeps.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Enterprise
An undertaking, especially one of some scope, complication, and risk.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
The state of friendly companionship; fellowship
Was grateful for her company.
Friends who finally parted company.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Enterprise
Industrious, systematic activity, especially when directed toward profit
Private enterprise is basic to capitalism.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Enterprise
Willingness to undertake new ventures; initiative
"Through want of enterprise and faith men are where they are, buying and selling, and spending their lives like serfs" (Henry David Thoreau).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
A partner or partners not specifically named in a firm's title
Lee Rogers and Company.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Enterprise
A company, business, organization, or other purposeful endeavor.
The government sponsored enterprises (GSEs) are a group of financial services corporations which have been created by the United States Congress.
A micro-enterprise is defined as a company or business having 5 or fewer employees and a low seed capital.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Enterprise
An undertaking, venture, or project, especially a daring and courageous one.
Biosphere 2 was a scientific enterprise aimed at the exploration of the complex web of interactions within life systems.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
A subdivision of a military regiment or battalion that constitutes the lowest administrative unit. It is usually under the command of a captain and is made up of at least two platoons.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Enterprise
(uncountable) A willingness to undertake new or risky projects; energy and initiative.
He has shown great enterprise throughout his early career.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Enterprise
(intransitive) To undertake an enterprise, or something hazardous or difficult.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Enterprise
(transitive) To undertake; to begin and attempt to perform; to venture upon.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Enterprise
That which is undertaken; something attempted to be performed; a work projected which involves activity, courage, energy, and the like; a bold, arduous, or hazardous attempt; an undertaking; as, a manly enterprise; a warlike enterprise.
Their hands can not perform their enterprise.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
A group of individuals who work together for a common purpose.
A company of actors.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Enterprise
Willingness or eagerness to engage in labor which requires boldness, promptness, energy, and like qualities; as, a man of great enterprise.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
(military) A unit of approximately sixty to one hundred and twenty soldiers, typically consisting of two or three platoons and forming part of a battalion.
The boys in Company C
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Enterprise
To undertake; to begin and attempt to perform; to venture upon.
The business must be enterprised this night.
What would I not renounce or enterprise for you!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
A unit of firefighters and their equipment.
It took six companies to put out the fire.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Enterprise
To treat with hospitality; to entertain.
Him at the threshold met, and well did enterprise.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
An intelligence service.
As he had worked for the CIA for over 30 years, he would soon take retirement from the company.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Enterprise
A purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness);
He had doubts about the whole enterprise
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Enterprise
An organization created for business ventures;
A growing enterprise must have a bold leader
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
(legal) An entity having legal personality, and thus able to own property and to sue and be sued in its own name; a corporation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
(business) Any business, whether incorporated or not, that manufactures or sells products (also known as goods), or provides services as a commercial venture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
(uncountable) Social visitors or companions.
Keep the house clean; I have company coming.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
The state of being a companion or companions; the act of accompanying; fellowship; companionship; society; friendly intercourse.
Evil company doth corrupt good manners.
Brethren, farewell: your company alongI will not wish.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
A companion or companions.
To thee and thy company I bidA hearty welcome.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
An assemblage or association of persons, either permanent or transient.
Thou shalt meet a company of prophets.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
Guests or visitors, in distinction from the members of a family; as, to invite company to dine.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
Society, in general; people assembled for social intercourse.
Nature has left every man a capacity of being agreeable, though not of shining in company.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
An association of persons for the purpose of carrying on some enterprise or business; a corporation; a firm; as, the East India Company; an insurance company; a joint-stock company.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
Partners in a firm whose names are not mentioned in its style or title; - often abbreviated in writing; as, Hottinguer & Co.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
A subdivision of a regiment of troops under the command of a captain, numbering in the United States (full strength) 100 men.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
The crew of a ship, including the officers; as, a whole ship's company.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
The body of actors employed in a theater or in the production of a play.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
An institution created to conduct business;
He only invests in large well-established companies
He started the company in his garage
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
Organization of performers and associated personnel (especially theatrical);
The traveling company all stayed at the same hotel
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
The state of being with someone;
He missed their company
He enjoyed the society of his friends
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
A band of people associated temporarily in some activity;
They organized a party to search for food
The company of cooks walked into the kitchen
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
A social gathering of guests or companions;
The house was filled with company when I arrived
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
A social or business visitor;
The room was a mess because he hadn't expected company
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
A unit of firefighters including their equipment;
A hook-and-ladder company
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
Crew of a ship including the officers; the whole force or personnel of a ship
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2022
Company
A business entity formed to sell goods or services.
His Company deals in organic produce.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Company
A group of people assembled for a particular purpose.
She enjoys the Company of like-minded individuals.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Company
The fact or condition of being with another.
She sought the Company of friends during tough times.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
FAQs
Can an Enterprise be non-commercial?
Yes, an Enterprise can refer to any significant project or undertaking, not strictly commercial.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can a single person start an Enterprise?
Yes, an individual can start an Enterprise, be it a business or a significant project.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is "enterprise software" for big companies only?
Generally, enterprise software is designed for large organizations, emphasizing scalability.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
What legal structures can a Company have?
Companies can have various legal structures, like LLC, Inc., Co., or PLC.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Are all Companies profit-oriented?
Most are, but there are non-profit Companies dedicated to charitable or social causes.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Can a single individual form a Company?
Yes, sole proprietorships are Companies run by single individuals.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Are the terms "Enterprise" and "Company" interchangeable?
Sometimes, especially in business contexts, but "Enterprise" has a broader scope.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is a Company always a legal entity?
Yes, a Company denotes a legal entity recognized by the state for business purposes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Does every Enterprise need to be registered?
Not always, but if it's a commercial business, registration might be required.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Do all Companies pay taxes?
Generally, Companies have tax obligations, but specifics depend on jurisdiction and structure.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Can an Enterprise consist of multiple Companies?
Yes, large Enterprises can encompass several subsidiary or partner Companies.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Is "enterprise risk" specific to large companies?
No, while often associated with large entities, any business can face enterprise risks.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Do Companies always have employees?
Not always, some Companies, especially sole proprietorships, may not have employees.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can one refer to a small business as an Enterprise?
Yes, "Enterprise" can refer to any business, regardless of size.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
How does one choose between an "Enterprise" and a "Company" structure?
It depends on the nature of the endeavor and legal or operational preferences.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Can an Enterprise be temporary?
Yes, an Enterprise can be a temporary undertaking or project.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
How does a "Company" differ globally?
While the core idea remains, legal structures, regulations, and norms can differ by country.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can an Enterprise be a one-time project?
Yes, an Enterprise can refer to a significant one-time project or initiative.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
What's the key focus of a Company?
Typically, Companies focus on business operations and profit generation.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Can an Enterprise be an idea or concept?
While often referring to actions or projects, it can allude to ambitious ideas or concepts.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
