A
business, also known as an
enterprise,
agency, or a
firm, is an
entity involved in the provision of
goods,
services, or both to
consumers. Businesses are prevalent in
capitalist economies, where most of them are
privately owned and provide goods and services to
customers in exchange for other goods, services, or money. Businesses may also be social
not-for-profit enterprises or
state-owned public enterprises targeted for specific social and economic objectives. A business owned by multiple individuals may be formed as an incorporated
company or jointly organised as a partnership. Countries have different laws that may ascribe different rights to the
various business entities.