I think in general the distinction is that a startup can scale more readily than a small business. That's easier to do if you're selling software than, say, hai

I think in general the distinction is that a startup can scale more readily than a small business. That's easier to do if you're selling software than, say, haircuts which is why I think the term "startup" is used so much around here. I think there's also an element of the entrepreneurial mindset on HN. The term "small business" seems to be considered implicitly defeatist here, unless you're (merely) building a "lifestyle business" which excuses your lack of ambition!