The private sector of the economy consists of businesses mainly owned and run by private individuals and organizations that usually aim to earn a profit. Examples of private sector businesses, which are covered in this topic, include the following:

• Sole traders
• Partnerships
• Limited liability companies
• Franchises, and
• Multinational corporations

Business organizations in the public sector consist of those controlled by a regional and/or national government, with the main aim being to provide essential goods and services for the general public. Examples of such goods and services deemed to be of benefit to society include:

• Infrastructure (such as communication networks, transportation networks, road and highway networks, waste disposable systems, and flood control systems)
• Housing (public and social housing)
• Health care services
• Education
• National defense (national security)
• Emergency services (ambulance, fire and police)

Fire services are part of the public sector