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A home-based business is an enterprise in which all or most of the work is performed at or from the owner-operator's private residence.[2] Home-based business is one of the fastest growing sectors in the NSW economy, making up about two-thirds of the State's small businesses.[3] Common businesses that are operated from home are trade businesses, where general administrative tasks are done at home, with work being completed at various sites. Examples include painters, plumbers and electricians. Examples of businesses that operate at the owner's place of residence are professional services, such as doctors, accountants and solicitors. More information about home-based businesses can be found at ‘Working from Home'.

Many micro-businesses are family operated. Family members will generally have ownership of the business and play a significant role in its day-to-day operations. Many publicly-listed companies and franchises started from the humble beginnings of a family-operated business. Some common examples of family businesses include takeaway corner shops, restaurants, alteration services and farms.

Independent contractors run their own business, and hire out their time to businesses and other organisations as a service. Your entitlements and obligations differ from an employee in many ways. You own your own business and generally you will be able to negotiate your own fees and working arrangements.[4] Some examples of independent contractors are builders, caterers and personal trainers. For more information on independent contractors, see Franchise, Home Businesses and Contractors.

A franchise is an arrangement whereby the originator of a business product or operating system (franchisor) gives a prospective small business owner (franchisee) the right to sell these products and/or use the business operations system on the franchisor's behalf.[5] Some key micro-business franchises include food chains, cleaning businesses, pet grooming and lawn mowing/gardening franchises. For more information about franchises, see ‘Micro-business Franchise Oportunities'.

E-businesses are businesses that utilise the internet for business activities, advertising and transactions. With the increase in internet use and popularity, along with relatively low start-up capital requirements, the emergence of e-businesses has seen a dramatic increase in the past decade. Some e-businesses are solely internet-based, with all communications and transactions completed online. Other businesses use a website to support the physical store and products, by providing product information online. Others simply use the internet as an advertising tool. To learn more about e-businesses, see the E-Business Module.

[2] Entrepreneurship and Small Business. Michael Schaper and Thierry Volery

[3] Smallbiz.nsw.gov.au (Source: ABS Characteristics of Small Business 8127.0 - June, 2004, and 2001 Census Data).

[4] Business.gov.au

[5] Entrepreneurship and Small Business - Michael Schaper and Thierry Volery 2004