Search, browse and explore FAQs on census.gov by topic, subtopic or group. You can search by text or FAQ number. Many answers contain links to more information. If you cannot find what you are looking for, click on Submit Request to reach our support team. We will find the answer for you soon. Each answer online ends with a survey question, “Was this answer helpful?” Please select Yes or No and help us improve our FAQs. Thank you.

1. What is an enterprise?

An enterprise (or "company") is a business organization consisting of one or more domestic establishments that were specified under common ownership or control. The enterprise and the establishment are the same for single-establishment firms. Each multi-establishment company forms one enterprise - the enterprise employment and annual payroll are summed from the associated establishments.

2. What is an establishment?

An establishment is a single physical location where business is conducted or where services or industrial operations are performed.

3. Can I compare the 2012 Enterprise data with prior years of ESP data?

No, data are not comparable between survey periods. See one page comparison or ESP Methodology for further information.

One Page Comparison [<1.0 MB]

4. Why do the 2012 data products use the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) instead of the Enterprise Classification System (ECS)?

The Census Bureau decided to restore the ESP with the 2012 Economic Census after conducting research and evaluation. See the report on "Restoring the Enterprise Statistics Program (ESP) For the 2012 Economic Census". Prior to 2012, ESP data products used an Enterprise Classification System, with the latest ECS created with the 2007 NAICS industries. Use of NAICS would eliminate the need for maintenance of a classification system distinct from NAICS. This would allow subject-matter staff to focus on data analysis rather than classification issues. Additionally, use of NAICS would be in furtherance of the Census Bureau goal of data harmonization and would facilitate comparisons between establishment- and enterprise-level statistics.

Working Paper

Restoring the ESP For the 2012 Economic Census

May 30, 2012

From the 1954 through the 1992 economic censuses, the Census Bureau published sets of enterprise statistics reports.

5. What steps does the Census Bureau undertake to ensure that confidential data are secure?

The Census Bureau is committed to handling your information responsibly. Your information is kept confidential. This commitment applies to the individuals, households, and businesses that answer our surveys. Every person with access to person or business data is sworn by Title 13 and Title 26 to protect confidentiality and is subject to criminal penalties if they do not.

Title 13 - Protection of Confidential Information

Details on the Title 13 law pertaining to the U.S. Census Bureau.

6. Does the Census Bureau produce other sources of Enterprise statistics?

Yes, the Statistics of U.S. Business (SUSB) provides annual or static data including the number of firms, number of establishments, employment, annual payroll, and estimated receipts(only in economic census years) for most U.S. business establishments. The data are tabulated by geographic area, industry, and enterprise size. Industry classification is based on 2012 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.

Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB)

Provides detailed annual data for U.S. business establishments by geography, industry, and enterprise size.