It’s that time of year again—New Year’s resolutions are in the air! As a small business owner, it’s time to look beyond personal goals and focus on resolutions that may strengthen your business in 2025. Whether you plan to expand or streamline operations, here are some resolutions that may help you move closer to your goals.
Could an SBA loan help you achieve growth in 2025?
Funding is often the key to business growth. If you want to invest in new inventory, add staff, or just have a financial cushion for the year ahead, an SBA loan may provide the flexibility and lower monthly payments you need. Unlike traditional loans, SBA loans are designed for small businesses with longer repayment terms and competitive rates so they are popular with entrepreneurs.
With SBA loans, you may use the funds for a variety of purposes, from refinancing debt to working capital needs. If you’re not sure if an SBA loan is right for you, exploring the different types of loans may help you make your decision. Understanding the differences between SBA loans, term loans and lines of credit is key to finding a financial product that fits your business goals.
In addition to the flexibility of SBA loans, some entrepreneurs use them to refinance high-interest debt, which may ease cash flow and reduce the burden of costly monthly payments. If 2025 includes plans for business growth, a loan may help you fund those ambitions.
Boost brand awareness and attract more customers
Refresh your marketing strategy in 2025 by increasing awareness of your brand. Potential customers may be out there but might not know what makes your products or services stand out. Here are a few ways to elevate your business’s profile:
Seek out public relations opportunities
Has your business been featured in the press? Reporters and influencers are always looking for small business stories. If this isn’t your area of expertise, consider hiring a PR pro to help craft and pitch your story to media outlets.
Capitalize on trending days
Social media is typically a great place to join the conversation and make your business part of the cultural moment. Look for days that align with your business or values, like National Coffee Day or Small Business Saturday, and tailor your promotions accordingly. A well planned social media campaign built around a relevant event may help you connect with customers and increase engagement. Planning ahead with a marketing calendar will keep you organized and help prevent you from missing out on these opportunities.
Sponsor a local sports team
Supporting community activities like local sports leagues may increase your visibility. Consider sponsoring a team and getting your brand in front of local families, whether through branded merchandise or event presence.
Claim your business on review sites
One of the easiest ways to help raise awareness is by making sure potential customers can find you online. Claiming your business on platforms like Google® My Business and Yelp® may increase your visibility. Make sure your contact details, hours, and services are up to date, and actively engage with reviews—whether positive or negative. Regular engagement on these platforms can demonstrate that you’re responsive and committed to customer satisfaction, which helps build trust.
If you're looking for more ways to connect with your audience, there are smart strategies for promoting your business that may help you make an impact.
Collaborate with other small businesses
Instead of viewing other small businesses as competitors, think about how you may collaborate for mutual benefit. Working with other entrepreneurs may help you save money, expand your customer base, and gain valuable business expertise.
For example, a catering business might team up with a florist to offer joint services for weddings or corporate events. Cross-promotion introduces both businesses to new audiences, leading to potential growth. Experiment with ways to collaborate with small businesses and get creative with cross-promotion ideas that can benefit both parties.
Clear the clutter physically and digitally
Dedicate a day—or a weekend—to getting your space organized. Clear out old paperwork, donate unused office supplies, and shred what you no longer need. Getting organized may save you time and help reduce stress in the year ahead.
Also, consider organizing your digital files. Business apps may help cut down on paperwork and streamline your operations. Explore business operations software that may help simplify your processes and boost efficiency.
Prioritize your well-being for long-term success
Running a business can be stressful, and entrepreneurs are often on call 24/7. However, a healthy work-life balance may lead to a smoother and more effective business.
Set clear times for when you’re “off the clock” and delegate tasks when possible. Whether it’s taking a day off or setting aside time for self-care, protecting your well-being may help you avoid burnout. Find some practical ways to avoid burnout that you can implement to maintain your productivity and mental health.
Build your business savings
A surprising number of small businesses don’t have dedicated savings, which may leave them unprepared for unforeseen expenses. Consider building a savings cushion by cutting costs where you can and funneling the extra cash into a separate business savings account.
If you need help identifying areas to save, look for sneaky expenses that may add up over time, and use cash flow strategies to stay on track with your financial goals.
Review your company culture
Take time to reflect on the kind of culture your business is fostering. Is your company a place where employees feel valued and motivated? Company culture may play a critical role in attracting and retaining talent, especially as your business grows.
If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your workplace environment, consider implementing employee retention strategies and recognition ideas to keep your team engaged and motivated.
Address bad business debt
Not all business debt is created equal. Good debt typically comes with low rates and long repayment terms, while bad debt—such as high-interest loans—may drain your cash flow. If your business is weighed down by bad debt, consider restructuring or refinancing for better terms. Learn how to reduce bad business debt and improve your cash flow.
Improve your credit rating
Good credit is key to securing affordable business funding. Lenders look at your business credit score when deciding loan terms, so it’s important to keep your score in good shape. Regularly checking your credit and addressing any issues may help you qualify for better loans. Learn more about how business credit works and steps you may take to improve your score.
Explore funding options
Could additional funding help your business grow or meet new goals? If you’re looking for working capital, refinancing high-interest debt, or investing in new inventory, a business loan may help. Explore SBA loans that may support your business in 2025, and find the one that’s right for you.
