What is a characteristic of a sole proprietorship?

A sole proprietorship is characterized by complete control by a single owner. This means that the individual who owns the business is responsible for all decision-making processes and has the authority to manage the business in accordance with their vision and goals. This autonomy is one of the primary reasons individuals choose to establish a sole proprietorship, as it enables them to operate without needing to consult partners or shareholders.

In contrast, shared ownership is a feature of partnerships or corporations, where multiple individuals have stakes in the business. Limited personal liability, while relevant in other business structures like limited liability companies (LLCs) or corporations, does not apply to sole proprietorships, as the owner has unlimited liability. The ability to raise capital through shares is typically associated with corporations, which can issue stock; sole proprietorships do not have this capability since they cannot sell shares.