Burton: Six Reasons Why Businesses Struggle to Grow

In today's fast-paced and competitive business environment, many entrepreneurs start their ventures hoping to scale and expand rapidly. However, statistics show that many businesses struggle to achieve growth objectives and some fail. So why do businesses struggle to grow? Here are six reasons:

1. * Lack of proper planning and execution: Unfortunately, many businesses fail to plan adequately for growth, whether it's due to a lack of experience or unrealistic expectations. Growing a business requires careful planning, setting achievable goals, and a well-defined roadmap to achieve those goals. Without a solid plan, businesses can quickly lose focus and direction, leading to stagnation or decline.
2. * Lack of funds: Businesses require money to grow, and many small businesses struggle to secure the necessary funds to expand. Investing in new equipment, hiring new employees, or developing new products or services can be difficult without adequate capital.
3. * Poor management: Ineffective leadership can hinder business growth. The business is unlikely to grow significantly if the management team cannot make sound decisions or properly execute a growth strategy.
4. * Lack of differentiation: A business must offer something unique or of value to stand out from competitors. If a business does not differentiate itself from others, it may struggle to attract customers and grow.
5. * Inability to adapt to change: The business landscape constantly evolves, and businesses that fail to adapt to changing market conditions or consumer preferences are likely to stagnate or decline.
6. * Poor customer service: Customers are the lifeblood of any business, and providing excellent customer service is crucial to retaining existing customers and attracting new ones. Businesses that fail to prioritize customer service may struggle to grow.

Solutions to these challenges require a multi-faceted approach that considers each business's unique needs and circumstances. One available resource is the SBA’s T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders program. The program offers access to invaluable knowledge, skills, and networking with business experts and coaches - at no cost!

If you're interested in learning more, click the link to register for an informational webinar via Zoom on Tuesday, April 18, at 4 pm or Wednesday, April 26, at 9 am . 

You will hear from course program managers and local alums about the T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders program benefits and how it can help your business grow. SBA’s T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders is an annual program with cohorts in the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend Area and is conducted from June 2023 to Dec 2023.

The deadline to apply for the T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders program is April 30, 2023. Unfortunately, there are only 25 seats available.  You can apply by clicking here.

Editor's Note: The above guest column was penned by Angela R. Burton, district director for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District. The SBA aims to help the American dream of business ownership. A resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA seeks to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

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