What Are the Nine Types of Entrepreneurship? Easy Guide for Beginners

Do you dream of starting your own business? Or maybe you want to grow one you already have? Knowing what the nine types of entrepreneurship can help you pick the right path¹.

Entrepreneurship means creating and running a business. But not all businesses are the same. There are different types of entrepreneurship like small shops or big tech companies. Some focus on helping people. Others want fast growth².

In this easy guide, we explain what are the nine types of entrepreneurship. We use real examples and tips. You will see entrepreneurship categories and kinds of entrepreneurship. By the end, you can ask: Which type of entrepreneurship is right for me? Let’s start!

Why Know the Nine Types of Entrepreneurship?

People search for what are the 9 main types of entrepreneurship with examples because it helps them choose. Are you a hard worker? A big dreamer? Or someone who buys companies?

These forms of entrepreneurship come from experts. Most businesses in the world are small ones. Over 90% of companies have fewer than 10 workers. But big ones like Google change the world.

Knowing entrepreneurship models and entrepreneurship styles gives you an entrepreneurship mindset. It helps with entrepreneurship development and spotting entrepreneurial opportunities.

In 2025, trends show more people starting businesses. AI and green ideas are hot. Social good matters too. One in eight adults tries entrepreneurship now.

Ready to learn? Here are the nine types of entrepreneurs explained simply.

The Nine Types of Entrepreneurship Explained Simply

Experts list these entrepreneurship categories. We add fun examples and tips. Each has characteristics of entrepreneurship types.

1. Small Business Entrepreneurship

This is the most common. You start a local shop or service. You make enough money for your family. No big investors needed.

Examples: A coffee shop, hair salon, or plumber. Think of your neighborhood bakery.

Characteristics: Hire family or locals. Focus on steady pay.

Real success: Sara Blakely started Spanx from her home. It grew big but started small.

Tips: Start with what you know. Save money first.

This fits small business entrepreneurship lovers.

2. Large Company Entrepreneurship

Big companies innovate inside. They make new products for customers.

Examples: Microsoft or Disney. They create new apps or movies.

Characteristics: Work in teams. Use company money. Sustain growth.

Real success: Satya Nadella at Microsoft. He added cloud services. Company worth trillions now.

Tips: Climb the ladder. Suggest new ideas at work. This is intrapreneurship too.

Great for large company entrepreneurship in stable jobs.

3. Scalable Startup Entrepreneurship

You believe your idea can change the world. Get money from investors. Grow super fast.

Examples: Facebook or Uber. Started in garages, now huge.

Characteristics: Tech-focused. Hire experts. Seek big profits.

Real success: Mark Zuckerberg with Facebook. Started for college friends. Now billions use it.

Tips: Go to places like Silicon Valley. Pitch to investors.

This is top for scalable startup entrepreneurship dreamers.

4. Social Entrepreneurship

You fix social problems. Make the world better. Not just money.

Examples: TOMS shoes – give a pair for each sold. Or nonprofits.

Characteristics: Focus on good. Start charities or hybrid companies.

Real success: Muhammad Yunus with microloans. Won Nobel Prize. Helped millions out of poverty.

Tips: Find a cause you love. Mix profit and help.

Perfect for social entrepreneurship hearts.

5. Innovative Entrepreneurship

You invent new things. Change how people live.

Examples: Steve Jobs with iPhone. Bill Gates with computers.

Characteristics: Passionate. Stand out from others.

Real success: Elon Musk with Tesla electric cars. Changed driving forever.

Tips: Think of problems. Brainstorm ideas daily.

This drives innovative entrepreneurship.

6. Hustler Entrepreneurship

You work super hard. Start small. Grow with effort, not money.

Examples: Mark Cuban sold garbage bags as a kid. Build companies step by step.

Characteristics: Never give up. Make sales calls. Face challenges.

Real success: Daymond John with FUBU clothing. Started with $40. Now sharks on TV.

Tips: Set big goals. Work extra hours.

Ideal for hustler entrepreneur types.

7. Imitator Entrepreneurship

Copy good ideas. Make them better. Learn from others’ mistakes.

Examples: Many phone companies copy Apple but add features.

Characteristics: Improve products. Confidence. Hard-working mix of innovator and hustler.

Real success: Sam Walton with Walmart. Copied discount stores but made bigger and cheaper.

Tips: Study winners. Add your twist.

Good for imitator entrepreneur starters.

8. Researcher Entrepreneurship

You research everything first. Use facts and data. Lower risks.

Examples: Scientists starting labs or tech firms.

Characteristics: Make detailed plans. Rely on logic.

Real success: Jeff Bezos with Amazon. I researched online books first. Planned every step.

Tips: Read books. Test ideas small. Take time.

Suits researcher entrepreneur careful people.

9. Buyer Entrepreneurship

Use your money to buy businesses. Fix and grow them. Less risk.

Examples: Buy a failing shop. Make it profitable.

Characteristics: Spot good deals. Change management. Expand profits.

Real success: Warren Buffett buys companies. Turn them into gold.

Tips: Save or earn wealth first. Learn valuation.

Best for buyer entrepreneur with cash.

How to Choose Your Type of Entrepreneurship

Ask: What type of entrepreneur are you quiz in your mind.

• Love local? Go small business.
• Want world change? Scalable or innovative.
• Care for people? Social.
• Hard worker? Hustler.

Look at benefits and risks of different types of entrepreneurship. Small ones are safe. Scalable are risky but big wins.

In 2025, mix types. Add AI or green ideas. Sustainable innovation is hot.

Steps to start:

1. Pick one type.
2. Learn skills.
3. Make a simple plan.
4. Talk to mentors.
5. Launch small.

This builds an entrepreneurship strategy.

Real Life Examples of Each Type

See examples of successful entrepreneurs for each type:

• Small: Local cafe owners.
• Large: Google teams.
• Scalable: Airbnb founders.
• Social: Blake Mycoskie (TOMS).
• Innovative: Sara Blakely (Spanx).
• Hustler: Gary Vaynerchuk.
• Imitator: Ray Kroc (McDonald’s franchise).
• Researcher: Larry Page (Google search).
• Buyer: Many private equity pros.

These show how each type of entrepreneurship works in real life.

Differences Between Types

Differences between innovative and social entrepreneurship³: Innovative wants new tech. Social wants help, not just money.

Most common forms of entrepreneurship today: Small business and online startups. Over 665 million entrepreneurs worldwide.

Which entrepreneurship type leads to fastest growth? Scalable startups with investors.

What Are the Nine Types of Innovation for Entrepreneurs?

Some experts talk about innovation types too. Like product or service changes. Check this guide for nine innovation ideas. They help any entrepreneurship type grow.

FAQs About Types of Entrepreneurship

List and explain nine types of entrepreneurship?

We did above! From small to buyer.

How to choose the best type of entrepreneurship for your business?

Match your personality and goals.

What are the types of entrepreneurs and examples?

See our list with stars like Elon Musk.

In Conclusion: Find Your Path in the Nine Types of Entrepreneurship

You now know what are the nine types of entrepreneurship. From small business entrepreneurship to buyer entrepreneur, each fits different people. Use this entrepreneurship education for your startup ecosystem.

Pick one. Start today. Build your entrepreneurship mindset. The world needs your ideas!

Question for you: What are the nine types of entrepreneurship – which one are you? Share below!

References

1. The Growth Faculty. (2025). Different Types of Entrepreneurship. Retrieved from https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/differenttypesofentrepreneurship. (Motivational for dream life.) ↩︎
2. Indeed. (2025). The 9 Different Types of Entrepreneurship (With Examples). Retrieved from.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/types-of-entrepreneurship. (Clear lists, examples, and career tips make it rank high.) ↩︎
3. Hub Brussels. (2025). Nine Types of Innovation Entrepreneurs Should Know About. Retrieved from https://www.info.hub.brussels/en/guide/rd-innovation-partnerships/nine-types-innovation-entrepreneurs-should-know-about. (Practical for business growth.) ↩︎