for a small start-up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a small start-up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is specifically related to or intended for a small start-up business. Example: "The funding options available are quite limited for a small start-up, but there are still some viable choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

For a small start-up, this is success.

The Guardian - Tech

It doesn't make sense yet for a small start-up to develop for it right now".

The New York Times

It was awarded contracts for smallpox vaccines worth more than $770 million, very meaningful for a small start-up.

The New York Times

This was back before 'Toy Story,' when he was turning down Disney for a small, start-up company in Northern California.

The New York Times

On a recent flight to New York, I sat next to a man who works for a small start-up in California.

The New York Times

Still, he said, for a small start-up, it doesn't make sense to divert developer resources into a new platform that doesn't yet have the traction of Apple or Android.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The $85 million value that I.B.M. placed on its code contribution is the price Informix, a database company, paid in 1999 for Cloudscape, a small start-up company.

The New York Times

I then took a real leap and moved into the IT industry, working for Discovery Logic, a small start-up firm based in Rockville, Maryland.

Science Magazine

For example, a small start-up British company called Novalia has created an interactive, touch-sensitive printed poster that can generate drum-kit sounds through vibrations of the paper itself.

BBC

For instance, it raised $975 for SunNight Solar Enterprises, a small start-up that develops solar-powered consumer products, so it could distribute 500 free solar-powered lights to refugees in camps.

The New York Times

As a last resort, Lock gave away the patent for his device to a small start-up company, ATC, and Children's Hospital Boston is paying ATC for much of the research and development costs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and audience: 'small start-up' is relatively informal. For more formal or academic writing, you might prefer "nascent business" or "early-stage company".

Common error

Avoid attributing every business challenge solely to the size of the "small start-up". While size is a factor, other elements like market conditions, business model, and team expertise also play significant roles. Be specific in identifying the actual cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a small start-up" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or clause. It clarifies the scope or target of a statement, indicating that the subsequent information pertains specifically to small, newly established businesses. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a small start-up" is a grammatically sound phrase used to specify that something relates to or is intended for small, newly established businesses. Ludwig confirms that it is commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and business media, to highlight the unique challenges and opportunities faced by these ventures. While the phrase itself is relatively informal, it is appropriate for neutral registers. Remember to be specific when using the phrase to avoid overgeneralizations, and consider alternatives like "for a nascent business" for more formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a nascent business

Replaces "small start-up" with a more formal term for a new business.

for a fledgling company

Uses "fledgling" to describe a young, inexperienced company.

for a new venture

Emphasizes the newness and risk associated with the business.

for an early-stage company

Highlights the developmental stage of the company.

for a micro-enterprise

Specifies the small scale of the business.

for an emerging business

Focuses on the business's potential for growth.

for a bootstrap operation

Implies self-funded and resource-constrained circumstances.

for a lean start-up

Highlights an approach focusing on minimizing waste and maximizing value.

for an entrepreneurial project

Shifts focus to the innovative and proactive nature of the business.

for a mom-and-pop business

Emphasizes the small, family-run aspect of the enterprise.

FAQs

How can I use "for a small start-up" in a sentence?

You can use "for a small start-up" to describe considerations or challenges specific to new, small businesses. For example, "Marketing can be especially challenging "for a small start-up" due to limited resources."

What are some alternatives to "for a small start-up"?

Some alternatives include "for a nascent business", "for a fledgling company", or "for a new venture", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

What are common difficulties "for a small start-up"?

Common difficulties "for a small start-up" often involve securing funding, gaining market visibility, and managing limited resources effectively.

Is it more appropriate to say "for a small business" or "for a small start-up"?

The choice depends on the stage of the business. "For a small business" is generally used for established, smaller companies, whereas ""for a small start-up"" specifically refers to businesses in their initial stages of development.