|
|
Sole Proprietorship |
Partnership |
Corporation |
Co-operative |
|
Purpose |
Profit for proprietor. |
Profit for partners. |
Profit for shareholders on investment of time or money | Benefits for members (i.e., service, cost savings and / or
profits. |
| Ownership |
By sole proprietor | By Partners | By Shareholder | By Members |
| Control |
Controlled by sole proprietor | Controlled by partners, typically according to time or money
invested. |
Based on the number of voting shares held per shareholder,
directly or by proxy. |
One member, one vote. Proxy voting limited. |
| Distribution of Surplus Earnings |
Income to the sole proprietor | Allocated among partners, typically according to time or money invested. | To shareholder paid in proportion to investment. | To members in proportion to use of service |
| Liability |
Unlimited liability of sole proprietor | Unlimited liability partners. | Shareholders limited to share subscription. Directors can be liable. | Members limited to a share subscription. Directors can be
liable |