Setting Your Small Business Up for Success in 2025

As we welcome a brand-new year, it’s the perfect opportunity to refocus and set your small business up for success in 2025. Whether you’re looking to grow, refine your processes, or maintain your current momentum, taking thoughtful, proactive steps now can make all the difference. The start of the year is a powerful time to revisit your goals and implement strategies that will keep your business on track and thriving. To help you achieve your 2025 business resolutions, we’ve put together 10 actionable strategies to support the continued growth and success of your rural business.

1. Reflect on the Past Year

Start by looking back at 2024. What worked well? What could be improved? Reflecting on your successes and challenges will give you valuable insights as you plan for the future. Consider these questions:

• Which products or services were most popular?
• What marketing strategies drove the best results?
• Did you meet your financial goals?

Use this information to build on what’s working and make adjustments where needed.

Photo: Flagstaff County Reeve, Don Kroetch with Mandy Spiller owner of Rusty Daisy Gift Co.

2. Set Clear Goals

Define what success looks like for your business in 2025. Whether it’s increasing sales, growing your customer base, launching new products, or enhancing your community impact, clear goals provide direction and motivation. Make your goals SMART:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve. Avoid vague goals and focus on precise outcomes. For example, instead of saying, “I want to grow my business,” specify, “I want to gain 50 new customers by June.”
• Measurable: Establish criteria to track progress. This allows you to evaluate whether you’re on track to achieving your goal. For example, “Increase sales by 20%” is measurable, while “Do better in sales” is not.
• Achievable: Set goals that challenge you but are still realistic. Consider your resources, time, and skills. For instance, doubling your customer base in a month might not be feasible, but increasing it by 15% in six months might be.
• Relevant: Align your goals with your business’s mission and priorities. Ask yourself how each goal contributes to your overall success. For example, focusing on customer retention might be more relevant than expanding product lines if your goal is to build loyalty.
• Time-bound: Assign a deadline to create urgency and focus. For example, “Launch three new products by the end of Q2” provides a clear timeline to work toward.

For example, instead of saying, “I want to increase sales,” set a goal like, “I aim to increase sales by 20% by the end of Q3 through targeted online marketing and local partnerships.”

Photo: Sabrina Whiteford, owner of The Glam Shack

3. Embrace Digital Marketing

Rural businesses often have a unique advantage—a close-knit community. Combine that with the power of digital marketing to expand your reach beyond your immediate area. Consider:

• Updating your website with fresh content and ensuring it’s mobile-friendly.
• Leveraging social media platforms to engage with customers and share your story.
• Starting a blog or newsletter to provide value and stay connected with your audience.

For a rural business, highlighting your authenticity and connection to the community can make a big impact online.

Photo: Tara Hardon, owner and artist behind Journee Ink

4. Strengthen Community Ties

Your local community is the backbone of your business. Engage with your neighbors by:

• Sponsoring local events or sports teams.
• Partnering with other businesses for promotions or shared events.
• Hosting workshops, classes, or open houses to invite people into your space.

The stronger your community relationships, the more likely customers will support your business and recommend it to others.

Photo: Hohm and Co. storefront, Hardisty

5. Diversify Your Offerings

Look for ways to expand your product or service lineup to meet changing customer needs. This doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul; small additions can make a big difference. For example:

• Introduce seasonal or limited-edition products.
• Offer online ordering or delivery options.
• Explore partnerships to co-create unique offerings.

By staying attuned to customer feedback and trends, you can identify opportunities for growth.

Photo: Handmade Highland Cow Ornament by This Stitch Is Bananas

6. Focus on Financial Health

A new year is an excellent time to review your finances and ensure you’re on solid ground. Steps to consider include:

• Reviewing your pricing strategy to reflect costs and market demand.
• Streamlining expenses by identifying areas where you can save.
• Exploring grants or funding opportunities available for rural businesses.

Set aside time for regular financial check-ins throughout the year to stay on track.

7. Invest in Yourself and Your Team

Your business’s success depends on your skills and the dedication of your team. Consider:

• Taking courses or attending workshops to enhance your expertise.
• Providing training opportunities for employees.
• Prioritizing work-life balance to avoid burnout.

When you and your team feel supported and motivated, your business will reflect that energy.

Photo: Second from right – Katya from Western Scents

8. Plan for Challenges

Every business faces challenges, but being prepared can make all the difference. Develop contingency plans for potential obstacles such as supply chain disruptions, staffing shortages, or economic downturns. Flexibility and resilience are key to navigating uncertainty.

9. Celebrate Your Wins

Don’t forget to recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Acknowledging your progress keeps you motivated and reminds your team and community of the value you bring.

Photo: The team behind Salted

10. Stay True to Your Roots

As a rural business, your connection to the land, community, and traditions sets you apart. Lean into this authenticity and use it as a foundation for all your business decisions. Customers appreciate genuine stories and products that reflect the heart of a small business.

Photo: Brenna Bartley of Brenna Page Photography

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The start of a new year is a time for optimism and renewal. By reflecting, planning, and taking intentional steps, you can set your small rural business on a path to success in 2025. Progress is a journey—embrace it one step at a time. If you’re a local business owner, we invite you to join the Flagstaff Crafted Program and become part of a supportive community that celebrates local talent, fosters growth, and helps showcase your unique products. Here’s to a prosperous year ahead!