> I think a small business is when you know the business model can work and have moved on to long-term execution. Until then you are a startup.
I disagree slightly. A small business is one where the founders have a particular business model in mind, regardless if it's feasibility. If the business model is wrong, the business folds; it doesn't pivot. Until I was introduced to the startup community this was my sole understanding of "starting a business".
https://steveblank.com/2010/01/25/whats-a-startup-first-prin...
"A startup is an organization formed to search for a repeatable and scalable business model."
Maybe you see "scalable" and think "to a billion users". I see "scalable" and think "sustainable over the long term".
I think a small business is when you know the business model can work and have moved on to long-term execution. Until then you are a startup.