A sole proprietorship, the simplest business structure, does not preclude the owner from hiring and managing staff. This means the business owner, legally synonymous with the business itself, can recruit, compensate, and oversee a workforce to support operations and growth. For example, a freelance writer operating as a sole proprietor can hire an editor and a marketing assistant.
The ability to engage personnel is often vital to a sole proprietor’s success. It allows the owner to delegate tasks, leverage specialized skills, and scale the business beyond the limits of individual capacity. Historically, small businesses, many structured as sole proprietorships, have been significant engines of job creation. This ability to bring others into the enterprise contributes to economic dynamism and allows the owner to focus on higher-level strategic activities.