The trends for small businesses in the United States from 1980 to 2003 show the greatest increase in the number of ______.

A) partnerships
B) public corporations
C) very small businesses
D) private corporations

Partnerships

Collaborative arrangements where two or more people co-manage a business and share its financial outcomes, emphasizing the joint effort in business ventures.

Private Corporations

Companies owned by private individuals or entities, not traded publicly on stock exchanges, and not owned by government entities.

Public Corporations

A corporation that sells shares of stock to the public and is listed on a stock exchange.