Who owns a private business enterprise?

• A. Private individuals
• B. The government
• C. Corporations
• D. Non-profit organisations

Answer: (A)

Ownership of a private business enterprise means who has the legal title and control over the business and its profits. In the private sector, that ownership rests with private individuals who invest capital, make decisions, and receive the profits. If the government owned the business, it would be a state-owned enterprise rather than private. Non-profit organizations may run businesses, but their aim isn’t to provide profits to owners, so they aren’t the typical owners of a private business. While a private company can own a business, the common understanding of a private business enterprise points to private individuals such as sole traders or partners who own and run it. So private individuals are the best answer.