business partner

Meaning

A business partner is a person who co-owns a business with one or more other people, sharing the risks, profits, and responsibilities. It can also refer to another company that your company collaborates with closely. It implies a high level of professional trust and shared goals.

Examples

• She started the bakery with her business partner, whom she met in college.

  She started the bakery with her business partner, whom she met in college.

• I need to discuss this new contract with my business partner before signing.

  I need to discuss this new contract with my business partner before signing.

• They have been reliable business partners for over ten years.

  They have been reliable business partners for over ten years.

• My business partner handles the finances while I manage the marketing.

  My business partner handles the finances while I manage the marketing.

• We are looking for a new business partner to help us expand into Asia.

  We are looking for a new business partner to help us expand into Asia.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He is my partner of business.

  ✓ He is my business partner.

  Avoid translating literally from other languages. Use the compound noun 'business partner' instead of using 'of'.

• ✗ I am meeting my work partner for lunch.

  ✓ I am meeting my business partner for lunch.

  While 'work partner' is sometimes used informally, 'business partner' is the correct term for someone you co-own a company with.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Sarah and her ___ opened a new law firm last month.

  💡 The person she co-owns the firm with.

  Show answer

  business partner

• It is important to choose a trustworthy ___ when starting a company.

  💡 A professional co-owner.

  Show answer

  business partner