Learning Activity #1: Forms of Business Ownership

When owners set out to create a business they do so because they believe they can make money. Not just money to pay the bills, but money that will support the expenses of running the business, pay the people employed by the business, and a handsome profit for themselves. However, if a business owner is smart they understand there are many things that could happen to the business that are beyond their control. Drought, tornedos, regulations, supply problems, are just a few examples. The government wants to reward the entrepreneur because as discussed in week one, the economy of a country depends on people working and spending money. The government wants to create job and has provided business owners legal methods that protects society and limits an owners exposure to liability that may come about because of unforeseen events, problems or other issues that can hinder a persons desire to own a business. The legal form of business is one of the main methods government uses to encourage business ownership.

A business owner must choose from these forms to select the legal form that best fits the purpose and size of the business as well as the amount of exposure to liability the owner is willing to take. Fill in the chart below with the pros and cons of each legal form. Then, give examples of the type and size of company that might be best suited for the form.

Characteristic	Sole Proprietorship	General Partnership	LLP	LLC	Corporation	Joint Venture	Franchise
Liability Exposure
Tax Exposure
Owners Relationship
Purpose of Form
Example

Learning Activity #2: Entrepreneurship

Complete the following entrepreneurial ability quiz, Quiz: What's Your Entrepreneurial I.Q.?. Pay attention to the questions asked! Then answer the questions

How did you fare on the quiz?

What characteristics does an individual need to make a good entrepreneur (according to the quiz)?

Knowing what it takes to be entrepreneur do you want to own a business? Why or why not?

Research the idea of intrapreneurship. Why or why not?

Make sure to use the course readings to support your reasoning.