Enterprise vs. Company: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Endeavor or initiative
Legal entity for business
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Implication
Ambition, risk, and initiative
Structure, business operations, profit generation
Scope
Can be non-commercial
Strictly commercial
Size and Complexity
Often implies large scale or complexity
Can vary in scale
Usage in Language
Broad, can refer to projects or ventures
Specific to business entities
Enterprise and Company Definitions
Enterprise
A system or facility provided by a business.
The car rental Enterprise offers various services.
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Company
An association or interaction with someone.
I had the pleasure of your father's Company at the event.
Enterprise
A project or undertaking, especially a bold or complex one.
The moon landing was a historic Enterprise.
Company
A military unit.
He served in the same Company during the war.
Enterprise
An initiative or willingness to undertake new projects.
His spirit of Enterprise made him a successful entrepreneur.
Company
A group of persons
A company of scientists.
Enterprise
Relating to or available for large organizations.
Enterprise software solutions cater to big corporations.
Company
One's companions or associates
Moved in fast company.
Is known by the company she keeps.
Enterprise
An undertaking, especially one of some scope, complication, and risk.
Company
A guest or guests
Had company for the weekend.
Enterprise
A business organization.
Company
The state of friendly companionship; fellowship
Was grateful for her company.
Friends who finally parted company.
Enterprise
Industrious, systematic activity, especially when directed toward profit
Private enterprise is basic to capitalism.
Company
A business enterprise; a firm.
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).
Company
A partner or partners not specifically named in a firm's title
Lee Rogers and Company.
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.
Company
A troupe of dramatic or musical performers
A repertory company.
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.
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.
Enterprise
(uncountable) A willingness to undertake new or risky projects; energy and initiative.
He has shown great enterprise throughout his early career.
Company
A unit of firefighters.
Enterprise
(uncountable) Active participation in projects. en
Company
A ship's crew and officers. See Usage Note at collective noun.
Enterprise
(intransitive) To undertake an enterprise, or something hazardous or difficult.
Company
To accompany or associate with.
Enterprise
(transitive) To undertake; to begin and attempt to perform; to venture upon.
Company
To keep company with someone; associate.
Enterprise
(transitive) To treat with hospitality; to entertain.
Company
A team; a group of people who work together professionally.
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.
Company
A group of individuals who work together for a common purpose.
A company of actors.
Enterprise
Willingness or eagerness to engage in labor which requires boldness, promptness, energy, and like qualities; as, a man of great enterprise.
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
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!
Company
A unit of firefighters and their equipment.
It took six companies to put out the fire.
Enterprise
To treat with hospitality; to entertain.
Him at the threshold met, and well did enterprise.
Company
(nautical) The entire crew of a ship.
Enterprise
To undertake an enterprise, or something hazardous or difficult.
Company
An intelligence service.
As he had worked for the CIA for over 30 years, he would soon take retirement from the company.
Enterprise
A purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness);
He had doubts about the whole enterprise
Company
A small group of birds or animals.
Enterprise
An organization created for business ventures;
A growing enterprise must have a bold leader
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.
Enterprise
Readiness to embark on bold new ventures
Company
(business) Any business, whether incorporated or not, that manufactures or sells products (also known as goods), or provides services as a commercial venture.
Company
(uncountable) Social visitors or companions.
Keep the house clean; I have company coming.
Company
(uncountable) Companionship.
I treasure your company.
Company
To accompany, keep company with.
Company
To associate.
Company
To be a lively, cheerful companion.
Company
To have sexual intercourse.
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.
Company
A companion or companions.
To thee and thy company I bidA hearty welcome.
Company
An assemblage or association of persons, either permanent or transient.
Thou shalt meet a company of prophets.
Company
Guests or visitors, in distinction from the members of a family; as, to invite company to dine.
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.
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.
Company
Partners in a firm whose names are not mentioned in its style or title; - often abbreviated in writing; as, Hottinguer & Co.
Company
A subdivision of a regiment of troops under the command of a captain, numbering in the United States (full strength) 100 men.
Company
The crew of a ship, including the officers; as, a whole ship's company.
Company
The body of actors employed in a theater or in the production of a play.
Company
To accompany or go with; to be companion to.
Company
To associate.
Men which have companied with us all the time.
Company
To be a gay companion.
Company
To have sexual commerce.
Company
An institution created to conduct business;
He only invests in large well-established companies
He started the company in his garage
Company
Organization of performers and associated personnel (especially theatrical);
The traveling company all stayed at the same hotel
Company
The state of being with someone;
He missed their company
He enjoyed the society of his friends
Company
Small military unit; usually two or three platoons
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
Company
A social gathering of guests or companions;
The house was filled with company when I arrived
Company
A social or business visitor;
The room was a mess because he hadn't expected company
Company
A unit of firefighters including their equipment;
A hook-and-ladder company
Company
Crew of a ship including the officers; the whole force or personnel of a ship
Company
Be a companion to somebody
Company
A business entity formed to sell goods or services.
His Company deals in organic produce.
Company
A group of people assembled for a particular purpose.
She enjoys the Company of like-minded individuals.
Company
The fact or condition of being with another.
She sought the Company of friends during tough times.
FAQs
Can an Enterprise be non-commercial?
Yes, an Enterprise can refer to any significant project or undertaking, not strictly commercial.
Can a single person start an Enterprise?
Yes, an individual can start an Enterprise, be it a business or a significant project.
Is "enterprise software" for big companies only?
Generally, enterprise software is designed for large organizations, emphasizing scalability.
What legal structures can a Company have?
Companies can have various legal structures, like LLC, Inc., Co., or PLC.
Are all Companies profit-oriented?
Most are, but there are non-profit Companies dedicated to charitable or social causes.
Can a single individual form a Company?
Yes, sole proprietorships are Companies run by single individuals.
Are the terms "Enterprise" and "Company" interchangeable?
Sometimes, especially in business contexts, but "Enterprise" has a broader scope.
Is a Company always a legal entity?
Yes, a Company denotes a legal entity recognized by the state for business purposes.
Does every Enterprise need to be registered?
Not always, but if it's a commercial business, registration might be required.
Do all Companies pay taxes?
Generally, Companies have tax obligations, but specifics depend on jurisdiction and structure.
Can an Enterprise consist of multiple Companies?
Yes, large Enterprises can encompass several subsidiary or partner Companies.
Is "enterprise risk" specific to large companies?
No, while often associated with large entities, any business can face enterprise risks.
Do Companies always have employees?
Not always, some Companies, especially sole proprietorships, may not have employees.
Can one refer to a small business as an Enterprise?
Yes, "Enterprise" can refer to any business, regardless of size.
How does one choose between an "Enterprise" and a "Company" structure?
It depends on the nature of the endeavor and legal or operational preferences.
Can an Enterprise be temporary?
Yes, an Enterprise can be a temporary undertaking or project.
How does a "Company" differ globally?
While the core idea remains, legal structures, regulations, and norms can differ by country.
Can an Enterprise be a one-time project?
Yes, an Enterprise can refer to a significant one-time project or initiative.
What's the key focus of a Company?
Typically, Companies focus on business operations and profit generation.
Can an Enterprise be an idea or concept?
While often referring to actions or projects, it can allude to ambitious ideas or concepts.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
