Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a small business?

The characteristic that is not associated with a small business is having a large number of employees. Small businesses typically have a limited workforce, which distinguishes them from larger organizations. Generally, a small business is defined by the number of employees it has, often classified as having fewer than 500 employees depending on the industry. This limited size allows small businesses to maintain more flexibility and adaptability in their operations, which can be a key competitive advantage in their respective markets.

In contrast, the other characteristics listed are indeed aligned with what defines a small business. Limited geographical area refers to the local scope in which many small businesses operate, while independent ownership highlights that small businesses are often privately owned rather than being part of a larger corporate structure. Personalized customer service is also a hallmark of small businesses, as they tend to offer more tailored and immediate responses to their customers due to their smaller scale and closer relationships with clientele.