Who are people who own, operate, and assume the risk of a business venture?

• A. Leaders
• B. Managers
• C. Investors
• D. Entrepreneurs

Answer: (D)

Owning, operating, and taking on the risk of a business venture defines an entrepreneur. An entrepreneur identifies an opportunity, starts the venture, assembles the resources, and leads the effort, all while bearing the financial and reputational risk if things don’t go as planned. This combination—ownership, day-to-day involvement in running the business, and risk-bearing—is what sets entrepreneurs apart from others. Leaders focus on guiding people toward goals but may not own or run a new venture. Managers handle planning and operations within an existing organization. Investors provide capital and funds the venture but typically do not run the business themselves. In short, the person who owns, runs, and assumes the risk is an entrepreneur.