Establishing a business takes four phases. Just like a living organism, a business is thriving and it continues to grow until it becomes mature. As an entrepreneur, going deeper into the context of entrepreneurship is essential as you would encounter a lot of impediments when starting one.

The importance of understanding the four stages of business growth will allow you to have definite actions for various scenarios and circumstances, wherein the entrepreneurial skills will be applied. By acknowledging these stages, you will know what, why, and when to do the specific responses amid every phase of your business growth.

1st Stage: Startup

Business professionals find startup as the riskiest stage. As a golden concept: risk is a door to opportunity. Holding an idea and concept with you would be the emerging and compelling threshold of your business. In starting a business, business guidance is a challenge, that is why getting support in forming a business, for instance, from companies that offer formation services like Zenbusiness is crucial. Gathering sufficient capital and funds is also an important factor. On the other hand, an ideal marketing and business plan, strategic location, adept entrepreneurial background, and a burning passion would help you to triumph at this stage despite the risks. As the initial phase, this will serve as the lead towards the continuation or even modification of your business. Hence, an outstanding marketing strategy is needed to attract potential clients and/or customers.

Usual Impediments:

• Low capital
• Limited capacities
• Modification of plans
• Marketing and advertising

2nd Stage: Growth

The stage wherein you have surpassed the initial risks from the startup. In growth, a sufficient number of customers and an ideal cash flow are observed. Thanks to the startup phase as you have discovered and identified the challenges and you are now able to have a firm marketing and operation budget framework. Managerial skills should be applied here as this stage serves as the bridge towards the expansion of your business. Sustainable and constant investment is essential too. From the profits that your business has earned, be strategic on how you could double its number through an effective investment system and empowered workforce.

Usual Impediments:

• Constant cash flow
• Consistent workforce quality
• Sustainable growth through investment
• Effective business management

3rd Stage: Maturity

A known brand name, stable cash flow, long-term customers or clients, firm marketing strategy, secured investment, effective management, and efficient workforce — in the maturity stage, your business is now having a safe condition over the impediments and challenges. Year-over-year growth is observed and a harmonious union of workforce staff is found over the decades. Other business entities started to partner and invest in your business.

Usual Impediments:

• Huge operational management
• Lack of service or product innovation
• Lack of care and motivation to employees
• Criticisms both from internal and external views

4th Stage: Renewal or Decline

As the final stage, the business growth includes renewal or decline. Just like a living organism that adapts to the changing environment, a business also needs to renew itself when the time comes. This stage happens due to the nature of economic growth and trends that become a challenge for businesses that missed to innovate their products or services over the competitive markets.

Usual Impediments:

• Changing economic landscapes
• Competitive strategy of other businesses
• Technological innovations
• Lack of public relations

Conclusion

In order for your business to grow and succeed, you must have the passion to learn and be updated in the trend of the changing environment and consumer behavior. Indeed, being an entrepreneur and starting a business is a continuous learning process so make sure to always expand your knowledge and skills.