Maintaining Growth

Second stage businesses are established entities that have survived the startup phase, and have the intent and capacity to grow. Take your company to the next level with the help of resources around planning, marketing, human resources and more.

Plan Your Business

Drive your business to the next level with a well-crafted business plan, business tools and support.  Consider the Department of Commerce supported Scale-up Business Training. You might also consider getting ongoing free business support from the WA Small Business Development Centers. If you need funding for growth, consider WA state public private financing initiative FlexFund.

Drive Profits Through Marketing and Sales

Marketing is all about customers: knowing their needs and wants and creating the environment in which it is easy for them to buy. Are you tailoring you message to reach a diverse audience?  Are you hiring a diverse staff who can carry your message to audiences within your market that you may not have reached in the past?  Use the Evergreen BizLink Resource Navigator to find organizations near you that have marketing expertise to reach with customers in your market and provide marketing and sales development services.

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Hire Great Employees

Your people are your company’s most valuable asset. Consider reaching out to your local workforce board for support with hiring employees. Be thoughtful in how you attract and retain the right employees to support your growth. With the recent “great resignation”, now more than ever, it is important to create a welcoming work environment and to share with prospective employees why your business is a great place to work.  Here is a human resources blog covering topics like leadership, recruiting, performance management and much more.

Maintain Permits and Registrations

Most likely you licensed and registered your business when you started.  As businesses grow, their licensing requirements may change, especially if and when employees are added.  Get legal and stay legal.

Expand Your Financing Options

Are you ready to expand your business?  There are partners who will help you buy your building.  Consider Evergreen Business Capital or other lenders who have products and support to help you grow and eventually own your own place!