Enterprise vs. Company: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on February 21, 2024
An enterprise refers to a project or undertaking, often business-related, while a company is a formal business entity or organization.
Difference Between Enterprise and Company
An enterprise can be seen as a venture, initiative, or endeavor that can encompass various activities, not just business. It can be any undertaking with an end goal. On the other hand, a company is specifically a formalized business organization that operates to generate profit.
Muazma Batool
Feb 21, 2024
Within the sphere of business, an enterprise often conveys a sense of scale and initiative. For example, a new enterprise could imply a startup or a fresh venture in an innovative field. A company, however, provides a sense of structure and legality, often denoting a registered entity with legal responsibilities.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 21, 2024
In some contexts, enterprise is also used to refer to a particularly large business or a group of companies. This showcases the flexibility of the term. On the flip side, the term company usually points to a single legal entity, whether it's a small business or a large corporation.
Muazma Batool
Feb 21, 2024
The term enterprise, in a broader context, can even refer to an individual's proactive initiative or undertaking, even if it isn't related to business. A person might start an enterprise to solve a community issue. A company would not have this broad application, as it is specifically tied to business and commerce.
Nolan
Feb 21, 2024
It's worth noting that in modern business lingo, "enterprise" can also refer to solutions or products designed for large organizations. In this sense, "enterprise software" means software tailored for big businesses, whereas a software company is a firm that develops and sells software.
Levi
Feb 21, 2024
Enterprise vs. Company Comparison Chart
Nature
Broad term for any venture or undertaking.
Specific legal entity that does business.
Muazma Batool
Feb 21, 2024
Scope
Can refer to non-business projects.
Always refers to a business context.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 21, 2024
Scale Implication
Can imply large-scale business activities.
Can be of any size, from small to large.
Muazma Batool
Feb 21, 2024
Broad Use
Can be individual initiative or project.
Always refers to a collective of people doing business.
William
Feb 21, 2024
Enterprise vs. Company Definitions
◉Enterprise
A business or company.
Her enterprise quickly grew, attracting investors from all over.
Jonathan
Sep 18, 2023
◉Company
A group of people assembled for a particular purpose.
He enjoyed the company of his close friends.
Kaitlyn
Sep 18, 2023
◉Enterprise
An undertaking, especially one of some scope, complication, and risk.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
The fact or condition of being with another or others, especially in a way that provides friendship and enjoyment.
I always appreciate your company on long journeys.
Muazma Batool
Sep 18, 2023
◉Enterprise
Industrious, systematic activity, especially when directed toward profit
Private enterprise is basic to capitalism.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
One's companions or associates
moved in fast company.
is known by the company she keeps.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
The state of friendly companionship; fellowship
was grateful for her company.
friends who finally parted company.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Enterprise
(uncountable) A willingness to undertake new or risky projects; energy and initiative.
He has shown great enterprise throughout his early career.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
A partner or partners not specifically named in a firm's title
Lee Rogers and Company.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Enterprise
(intransitive) To undertake an enterprise, or something hazardous or difficult.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Enterprise
(transitive) To undertake; to begin and attempt to perform; to venture upon.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Enterprise
Willingness or eagerness to engage in labor which requires boldness, promptness, energy, and like qualities; as, a man of great enterprise.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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!
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Enterprise
To treat with hospitality; to entertain.
Him at the threshold met, and well did enterprise.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Enterprise
To undertake an enterprise, or something hazardous or difficult.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
A group of individuals who work together for a common purpose.
A company of actors.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Enterprise
a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness);
he had doubts about the whole enterprise
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Enterprise
an organization created for business ventures;
a growing enterprise must have a bold leader
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
A unit of firefighters and their equipment.
It took six companies to put out the fire.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Enterprise
A project or undertaking, especially a bold or complex one.
The construction of the tunnel was a massive enterprise.
William
Sep 18, 2023
◉Company
An intelligence service.
As he had worked for the CIA for over 30 years, he would soon take retirement from the company.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Enterprise
Initiative and resourcefulness.
With a bit of enterprise, he turned the small shop into a thriving business.
Elijah
Sep 18, 2023
◉Enterprise
Readiness to embark on new ventures; boldness and energy.
His spirit of enterprise made him a pioneer in technology.
Jonathan
Sep 18, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Enterprise
A large company or group.
The automobile enterprise has branches all over the world.
Muazma Batool
Sep 18, 2023
◉Company
(business) Any business, whether incorporated or not, that manufactures or sells products (also known as goods), or provides services as a commercial venture.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
(uncountable) Social visitors or companions.
Keep the house clean; I have company coming.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
A companion or companions.
To thee and thy company I bidA hearty welcome.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
An assemblage or association of persons, either permanent or transient.
Thou shalt meet a company of prophets.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
Guests or visitors, in distinction from the members of a family; as, to invite company to dine.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
Partners in a firm whose names are not mentioned in its style or title; - often abbreviated in writing; as, Hottinguer & Co.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
A subdivision of a regiment of troops under the command of a captain, numbering in the United States (full strength) 100 men.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
The crew of a ship, including the officers; as, a whole ship's company.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
The body of actors employed in a theater or in the production of a play.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
an institution created to conduct business;
he only invests in large well-established companies
he started the company in his garage
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
organization of performers and associated personnel (especially theatrical);
the traveling company all stayed at the same hotel
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
the state of being with someone;
he missed their company
he enjoyed the society of his friends
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
a social gathering of guests or companions;
the house was filled with company when I arrived
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
a social or business visitor;
the room was a mess because he hadn't expected company
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
a unit of firefighters including their equipment;
a hook-and-ladder company
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
crew of a ship including the officers; the whole force or personnel of a ship
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Company
A commercial business.
The tech company became one of the world's most profitable entities.
Muazma Batool
Sep 18, 2023
◉Company
A legal entity separate from its owners.
The company was incorporated in Delaware.
Kaitlyn
Sep 18, 2023
Enterprise vs. Company Frequently Asked Questions
Can an individual start an enterprise?
Yes, an individual can start an enterprise like a personal project or initiative.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 21, 2024
Do all companies have to be registered?
In most jurisdictions, for a business to operate officially and enjoy legal protections, it must be registered.
Kaitlyn
Feb 21, 2024
What's an example of an enterprise outside of business?
Organizing a community cleanup is an enterprise aimed at bettering the environment.
Muazma Batool
Feb 21, 2024
Is every business considered a company?
Not necessarily, a business might not be a formal company until it's legally registered.
William
Feb 21, 2024
Is a company always for profit?
No, there are non-profit companies that operate for charitable or educational purposes.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 21, 2024
Is enterprise software for big companies?
Yes, enterprise software typically caters to the needs of large organizations.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 21, 2024
Can an enterprise comprise multiple companies?
Yes, an enterprise can refer to a group of companies operating under a single umbrella.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 21, 2024
How is a company different from a corporation?
While both are legal entities, a corporation is a specific type of company with distinct legal and tax implications.
Muazma Batool
Feb 21, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
