Which business structure raises capital by issuing stock certificates?

A corporation is the correct answer because it is a legal entity that is separate from its owners, and one of its key characteristics is the ability to raise capital by issuing stock certificates. When a corporation issues stock, it is essentially selling shares of ownership in the business to investors. This allows corporations to gather substantial amounts of capital that can be used for expansion, operations, or other business needs.

In contrast, a franchise involves operating a business under the brand of another company without the same ability to issue stock. A sole proprietorship is owned by a single individual and does not have the capacity to raise capital through stock issuance, as it is not a separate legal entity. Partnerships, which involve two or more individuals who share ownership, also do not have the mechanism to issue stock as corporations do. Thus, the corporation stands out as the structure specifically designed to raise capital through the issuance of stock certificates.