What term describes a business where the owner is the only personnel?

The term that accurately describes a business where the owner is the only personnel is a sole proprietorship. This type of business structure is defined specifically by the fact that one individual owns and operates the business, thus taking full responsibility for the assets and liabilities. In a sole proprietorship, the owner is entitled to all profits but also bears all risks and losses associated with the business.

Sole proprietorships are often favored by individuals starting small businesses, as they are the simplest form of business organization and involve less regulatory burden compared to other structures. This simplicity allows the owner to have complete control over decision-making processes and the direction of the business.

While the term "non-employer" might refer to businesses that do not have any employees, it does not specifically encapsulate the notion of ownership and operation by a single individual. Terms like "owner-employed" and "single-member LLC" also suggest ownership, but they do not inherently convey the implication of complete responsibility and singular operation that characterizes sole proprietorships. A single-member LLC provides some liability protection which a sole proprietorship does not offer, thus changing the nature of the business structure significantly.