Founder, Startup, Solopreneur, Freelancer, Small Business: Same But Different

Entrepreneur, founder, startup, freelancer, small business owner and solopreneur—if you’ve spent any time in the business world, you’ve probably heard these terms thrown around interchangeably. And while they all sound like different ways of saying “person running a business,” the truth is, they’re not quite the same.

Each of these roles comes with unique goals, approaches, and challenges. Understanding the differences can help you figure out where you fit—and how to own that space confidently. So, let’s break it all down and get these terms clear once and for all.

1. Entrepreneur: The Big Picture Thinker

An entrepreneur is someone who starts a business, plain and simple. This is the broadest term of the bunch, and it doesn’t specify what kind of business they’re starting. Entrepreneurs can range from small-scale solopreneurs to billion-dollar startup founders.

The key trait of an entrepreneur? They see opportunities and act on them. Entrepreneurs tend to be risk-takers, dreamers, and problem-solvers.

Example:
I worked with a client who saw a gap in her local market for sustainable home goods. She didn’t know whether she wanted a physical store, an online shop, or a subscription box model—but she knew she wanted to solve the problem. That’s an entrepreneur at heart: someone who starts with a vision and figures out the details along the way.

2. Founder: The Startup Starter

A founder is someone who starts a specific type of business: typically, a startup. Founders often aim to build something scalable and innovative—think apps, platforms, or products designed to disrupt an industry.

What sets founders apart is their focus on growth. They’re often the ones pitching investors, scaling quickly, and aiming for a big exit (like a sale or IPO).

Example:
One of my clients was a founder building an AI-powered CRM tool. His goal wasn’t just to launch a product—it was to dominate a niche market and eventually sell the company for millions. Founders often think about their business as a temporary project with a clear endgame: rapid growth and a big payoff.

3. Startup: The Fast-Growth Machine

A startup isn’t just a small business—it’s a business designed to scale quickly. Startups are often tech-focused, investor-backed, and laser-focused on growth.

The term “startup” gets thrown around a lot, but not every small business is a startup. The key difference is the approach. Startups are built with scalability in mind, while small businesses are often designed to stay manageable and sustainable.

Real World Stats:
According to CB Insights, 90% of startups fail, often because they focus on growth before nailing product-market fit. That’s why early traction is so crucial for startups.

4. Solopreneur: The One-Person Show

A solopreneur is an entrepreneur who runs their business solo—no co-founders, no employees, just them. Solopreneurs are typically in it for the long haul, building businesses that align with their lifestyle and values.

This is the category I personally identify with. As a solopreneur, I get to make all the decisions, pivot quickly, and build a business that supports my goals (like the freedom to travel and work remotely).

Example:
A client of mine, a copywriter by training, started an online course business as a solopreneur. She didn’t want to freelance as a copywriter or grow a big copywriting agency or hire a team—she wanted to focus on delivering high-quality content and training to a group of clients while maintaining a balanced, flexible lifestyle.

5. Freelancer: The Service Provider

A freelancer is someone who provides services to clients on a project-by-project basis. Freelancers are often self-employed, but they don’t necessarily think of themselves as business owners. They’re experts in their craft—design, writing, coding, photography—and their business revolves around delivering that expertise.

Freelancers may not focus on scaling, or growth the way entrepreneurs or solopreneurs do. They’re more focused on the work itself.

Example:
I once worked with a freelance graphic designer who wanted to transition into running her own branding agency. She started as a freelancer, taking on projects as they came, but eventually shifted her mindset to think more like a solopreneur—building a brand, defining her niche, and growing her business intentionally.

6. Small Business Owner: The Community Builder

A small business owner typically runs a local or niche business with the goal of stability and sustainability. This could be a bakery, a boutique, a local marketing agency, or even a family-run business.

Small business owners often prioritize serving their community, maintaining manageable growth, and creating a reliable income—not rapid scaling or disrupting industries.

Example:
I helped a client who owned a small fitness studio. She wasn’t looking to franchise or create a nationwide chain; her goal was to create a welcoming space for her local community. That’s the heart of a small business owner: focused on stability, relationships, and long-term sustainability.

How to Figure Out Where On the Entrepreneur Spectrum You Fit

If you’re not sure which entrepreneur category describes you, ask yourself these questions:

1. What’s my endgame? Am I building for a big exit or a sustainable lifestyle?
2. How fast do I want to grow? Am I aiming to scale quickly, or do I prefer steady progress?
3. What role do I want to play? Do I want to be hands-on with clients, or do I see myself building a team?
4. What kind of risks am I willing to take? Am I comfortable bootstrapping, or do I need external funding?

Why These Terms Matter

Understanding these distinctions isn’t just about semantics—it’s about clarity. When you know what kind of business you’re building, you can focus on what matters most to you and avoid distractions.

Case in Point:
I once worked with a solopreneur who spent months chasing startup-style growth because he thought that’s what success looked like. When we talked, he realized he didn’t want investors, a big team, or rapid scaling. He actually wanted a business that allowed him to travel and work on his own terms. Once he embraced his solopreneur identity, everything clicked—and he started building a business he actually loved.

Final Thoughts: Same But Different

At the end of the day, there’s no “better” or “worse” entrepreneur path—it’s about what feels right for you. Whether you’re a solopreneur, freelancer, founder, or small business owner, the key is to build a business that aligns with your goals, values, and lifestyle.

So, own your lane. Define success on your terms. And remember: No matter what label fits you best, you’re building something amazing.

Ready to figure out where on the entrepreneur spectrum you fit and how to build a business that works for you? Join my next Expedition Solopreneur and create a game plan tailored to your vision.