Business Terms Explained: 13 terms for beginners

There are many complex terms and concepts that can be intimidating, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged before even getting started. In this blog post, we break down some of the most common business and entrepreneurial terms to help beginners better understand the world of entrepreneurship and hopefully overcome some of those barriers. 

Don’t let the jargon and complexity of entrepreneurship discourage you from pursuing your dreams! Here are some key business and entrepreneurship terms explained to help you start your entrepreneurial journey:   

  1. Entrepreneurship is about creating value by identifying opportunities and taking strategic actions to exploit them. It’s a can-do culture focused on experimentation, innovation, and results.

     

  2. Business plan – A business plan is a written document that outlines a company’s goals, strategies, and financial projections. It’s an essential tool for entrepreneurs seeking funding or trying to grow their business.

     

  3. Startup – A start-up is a new business venture that is in the early stages of development and aims to offer innovative products, services, or technologies. Start-ups typically operate under conditions of uncertainty and limited resources.

     

  4. Scaleup – A scaleup is a business that has already passed the startup stage and has demonstrated its ability to grow rapidly. It has achieved a certain level of success and is now focused on scaling its operations to achieve even greater growth and profitability.

     

  5. Networking – Networking is the process of building relationships with other professionals in your industry or community. Networking can help entrepreneurs find new business opportunities, access funding, and gain valuable insights and advice.

     

  6. Pitch – A brief presentation that outlines a business idea or product in order to attract investors or customers.

     

  7. Funding – Funding refers to the money that an entrepreneur raises to start or grow their business. Funding can come from a variety of sources, including investors, loans, or grants.

     

  8. Supply chain – The network of businesses and organisations that are involved in the creation and delivery of a product or service.

     

  9. Revenue – The amount of money a company earns from selling goods or services.

     

  10. Cash flow – The amount of money that flows into and out of a business over a given period of time.

     

  11. Profit margin – The percentage of revenue that a company earns as profit after subtracting expenses.

     

  12. ROI – Return on Investment – A measure of the profitability of an investment, calculated as the gain or loss from the investment divided by the cost of the investment.

     

  13. Equity – The ownership interest in a company or property, representing the residual value of the assets after all liabilities are paid. 

By breaking down these terms, we hope to help beginners better understand the world of entrepreneurship and overcome some of the barriers and prejudices that may be holding them back. It is important to remember that entrepreneurship is not just for a select few – it is a mindset that anyone can adopt. Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back from pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams. With a little bit of knowledge and a lot of determination, you can break down the barriers and take your first steps towards building a successful business.