1. People who start or build a business, project, or enterprise with minimal external resources or funding, relying on their own effort and ingenuity.
Usage: plural form; informal; business/entrepreneurship context
2. People who pull themselves up by their bootstraps; individuals who improve their circumstances through their own hard work and determination.
Usage: plural form; figurative; general usage

Examples

• Many successful tech bootstrappers started their companies in garages with little more than an idea and determination.
• The bootstrappers in our startup community share resources and advice to help each other succeed.
• Unlike venture-backed firms, bootstrappers must be extremely careful about spending and cash flow.
• These bootstrappers built their business from scratch without taking on debt or outside investment.
• The conference celebrated bootstrappers who had grown profitable companies on their own terms.
• Young bootstrappers often work multiple jobs while developing their side projects into full businesses.