What is planning? When I think of planning, I think of hoped-for outcomes and taking a moment to decide what I want to happen and how I’m going to make it happen. It’s about being intentional.

Merriam-Webster defines “to plan” as “a method for achieving an end,” and that feels spot on. Planning is less about perfection and more about having a sense of direction. It’s about choosing your next steps with purpose.

Why Planning Is Essential for Small Business Owners

One of the biggest benefits of planning is that it helps you act based on your overall vision. Which in turn allows you to prioritize each month, week, and day. I love making decisions that line up with my values and the future I’m working toward!

I find that planning also takes a lot of the pressure off and almost automates some parts of my day. Because I’m mapping things out in advance, there’s also a lower mental load for my daily work, a huge win! Sure, it won’t take away every mistake or unknown, but it makes the process of building and running a business a whole lot easier. 

When most people think of planners, they think of a calendar and a goal or project tracker—something that may include a to-do list, appointments, and a daily or weekly plan. Those tools are great for projects and daily planning, but I have found that the challenge often lies in not knowing what tasks to write down and why they matter for your long-term business goals. When I talk about planning in this post, I’m talking about setting a big picture for what you hope to accomplish long-term and breaking it down into smaller steps that can then be put into a simple list. 

Think about it like this, The Guided Small Business Planner provides specific guidance for creating that big-picture plan for your business, while a calendar or generic project planner is about the exact activities you will do that day or week Since I love a good metaphor, let’s say you were building a house, you’d start with a list of features that you want to incorporate, then you’d work with an architect to create a blueprint of the space. The blueprint is then given to a builder to build the house. Of course, you’ll make changes along the way, but you wouldn’t go buy lumber and start building a house without a blueprint! The Guided Small Business Planner helps create your business blueprint so that you can build your business based on your vision. I’ll dive more into what makes a business planner a strong tool, but first, let’s talk about the benefits of using a paper product rather than a digital one.

Why Use a Physical Planner Instead of a Digital One?

I use a lot of digital tools in my work, and I love a good spreadsheet, but there’s something different about physically writing things down. Studies have shown that the physical act of writing leads to better understanding, comprehension, and memory. It helps your brain connect the dots in a different way. I’ve seen this firsthand from taking notes during a meeting versus typing them. I’ve also found that when I draw out a concept that is new or challenging, I remember it much more than typing a few bullet points. 

I’ve linked a few sources about this at the bottom of the post if you want to dive into the science behind writing versus typing! 

How a Physical Small Business Planner Supports Focus

Technology is distracting! Using a physical planner slows you down in a good way. It makes space for reflection. It helps retain focus, and it activates a larger portion of the brain as we process information! I find that I’m able to problem-solve more creatively and think outside of the box when I’m focused. 

What Type of Small Business Planner Is Right for You?

Not all planners are created equal, and not every type works for every business owner. Here are a few common ones to think about:

Daily or Calendar Planners

Great for managing appointments, to-dos, and daily structure. These help with time blocking and task tracking. I use a digital calendar for appointments and a time-blocking daily planner for my to-dos. 

Goal and Project Planners

Designed to help you break big goals into small steps, these are great when you have a specific outcome in mind, like launching a new product or hitting a revenue target. I love the Cultivate What Matters products for this!

Business Planners

There are two types of business planners. A generic one is structured like a day planner or calendar with space for you to name what you are going to do that week or day. I like these for being intentional about how my day or week is structured! A guided business planner is different because it’s intended to help you name and clarify your long-term and big-picture business goals. If you find yourself asking how to define your big picture and long-term goals, a guided, step-by-step planner can help you get the point of naming your daily task list.

How to Start Using a Small Business Planner

There’s no one “right way” to use a planner. But there is a right way for you. Start by asking: What kind of support do I need?

Start With the Big Picture

If you’re looking for big-picture clarity and intentional growth, something like The Guided Small Business Planner might be your best fit. It gives you space to define your business strategy, name your customers, and build a marketing plan, calculate revenue streams, and thoughtfully plan your brand presence. Then it provides real-life examples and templates for you to decide how it will come to life for your business. 

Get Specific With Daily Tasks

Once you have named your big picture, you may want to add a daily or project planner. They can be helpful if you’re juggling tasks, appointments, and responsibilities. A daily or calendar-style planner will help you manage your time and stay on track.

I use both! The Guided Small Business Planner has my marketing plan, ideal customer persona, my sales goals, my income goals, my operations, and my vision and mission. My calendar includes time blocking and my daily, weekly, and monthly to-dos. 

Comparing Popular Small Business Planner Options

Here’s a quick breakdown of how different types of planners stack up.

Start Planning With Purpose

As you build your business, remember that it’s okay to pause and change your mind! 

I designed The Guided Small Business Planner to be your quiet space to reflect, plan, build, reset, and decide what matters most, and then take real steps to make it happen.

We'd love to hear: Do you have a favorite tool for planning?

Are you inspired to pick one up? Please share in the comments!

You May Also Enjoy

• How Can You Start A Business Without Money? Tips for Beginners
• How to Start a Business from Scratch
• How to Become a Woman-Owned Certified Business

About Flourish In Growth 

We help business owners navigate the ups and downs of building the business they want. Our rules are: Clear, simple, no-fluff, and actionable! Stop doubting yourself. Meet your small business map—The Guided Small Business Planner™. This is a workbook guide with step-by-step instructions for building a strong business foundation. It's not a calendar. It's a guided workbook. 

Sources: 

• Why writing by hand is better for memory and learning – Scientific American
• NPR: The science behind why handwriting still matters
• Gaze and Hand Position Effects on Finger-Movement-Related Human Brain Activation

If you are a woman-owned business, you may be wondering how to become a woman-owned certified business. Below, we will cover what it means to be a woman-owned certified business, why certification could benefit your company, the different types of certifications, common misconceptions, and key considerations before pursuing certification.

What is a Woman-Owned Certified Business?

A woman-owned certified business is one that has received official certification, typically from a state or federal agency, verifying that a woman is the principal owner and operator. Some private companies also assist small businesses in obtaining their state or federal certification.

While you don’t need certification to state that you are a woman-owned business, there are situations where having an official certification can be beneficial. Certification helps businesses qualify for contracts, funding, and networking opportunities designed to promote diversity in business.

To qualify for certification, most programs require that:

• A woman (or women) owns at least 51% of the business.
• A woman is actively involved in the daily operations and decision-making processes.
• The woman owner holds the highest title within the company, such as CEO or President.

History of Women Business Owners

The history of women business owners being intentionally excluded from doing business in the United States dates back to early colonial times. Coverture didn't consider women to be their own legal identity and women largely weren’t able to legally own property in many cases. The practice of coverture was gradually abolished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Coverture was adopted from English law and also has Spanish and French roots. 

Before colonization, many Native American women had equal rights and economic independence, exercising business and trade up to 1,000 years ago.

It wasn’t until 1988 that women business owners in the U.S. gained the legal right to obtain a business loan without requiring a male co-signer. Today, women own about 35% of businesses with employees and receive 32% of business funding.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has set a goal to allocate 5% of federal contracting dollars to Women-Owned Certified Businesses. However, this goal has only been met twice in the last 20 years. That means the federal government continues to spend 95% or more of its contracting dollars with male-owned businesses, despite women owning over a third of employer businesses in the U.S.

Businesses with gender diversity in leadership roles often have higher rates of profitability, more balanced risk management, better talent recruitment, and an enhanced reputation according to a study by McKinsey. 

Recognizing this is resulting in companies now actively seeking to increase supplier diversity.

Benefits of Being a Woman-Owned Certified Business

Becoming a woman-owned certified business can offer several advantages, including:

Access to Government Contracts 

Federal, state, and local governments have supplier diversity initiatives that set aside contracts specifically for women-owned businesses. These contracts can provide steady revenue and credibility. Plus, these organizations often buy large quantities – just think of the amount of supplies needed to run a public school system. It’s easy to discount a small business as not necessarily selling something that a large organization would need, but if you stop to think about what it takes to run a town parks and rec system, public school district, or hospital, it becomes evident that these organizations need the same things we need to run our homes. 

Corporate Supplier Diversity Programs 

In addition to government contracts, many large corporations have programs that prioritize working with diverse suppliers. These corporations may have a specifically named program and a process to support potential suppliers. In some cases, certification can make it easier to connect with these opportunities.

Networking and Business Growth 

Certification provides access to exclusive networking events, mentorship programs, and funding opportunities. Organizations such as the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) offer support and connections to other female entrepreneurs.

Competitive Advantage 

Displaying your certification can help build credibility with potential clients and partners who value working with certified women-owned businesses.

Types of Woman-Owned Certifications

There are multiple levels of certification, depending on the needs of your business. The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program, managed by the SBA, helps women-owned businesses compete for federal contracts. Many states offer Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certifications for businesses seeking state-level contracts. Various nonprofit organizations and regional programs also provide their own certification options. Not sure where to start? Keep reading for what to consider before you become a woman-owned certified business. 

Common Misconceptions About Woman-Owned Certifications

There are several misunderstandings about what it takes to qualify for certification. Simply being a part-owner of a business is not enough. You must prove you are the principal owner and operator of the business. For example, in an architectural firm, the woman owner must also be a licensed architect to qualify for certification.

In the past, businesses were sometimes certified even if the woman owner was not actively running the business. Today, the certification process has stricter requirements to ensure that women are truly leading the business.

Questions to Ask Before Pursuing Certification

Certification can be a valuable asset, but it may not be necessary for every woman-owned business. Consider whether buyers in your industry prioritize supplier diversity, if certification will help your business access new markets or contracts, and if you meet the eligibility requirements for ownership and control.

For example, an engineering firm looking to secure government contracts may benefit significantly from certification, while a local boutique may not see the same advantages.

Taking the Next Steps

Becoming a woman-owned certified business can be a strategic move for a business to make. However, it’s important to evaluate whether it aligns with your business goals. If certification makes sense for your business, taking the time to navigate the process could open the door to growth and success.

You May Also Enjoy

• How Can You Start A Business Without Money? Tips for Beginners
• How to Start a Business from Scratch
• What is an example of a Good Business Plan?

About Flourish In Growth 

We help business owners navigate the ups and downs of building the business they want. Our rules are: Clear, simple, no-fluff, and actionable! Stop doubting yourself. Meet your small business map — The Guided Small Business Planner™. This is a workbook guide with step-by-step instructions for building a strong business foundation. It's your go-to instruction manual with clear instructions for creating a sustainable business. It's not a calendar. It's a guided workbook. 

Starting a new business can be both exciting and overwhelming! Two questions that I often hear are, “How can you start a business without money?” and “How can I get funding for a business idea?” This post aims to give a realistic approach for the everyday entrepreneur starting a local business. The world of internet startup advice is rife with myths and half-truths. Many people wonder, 'How can you start a business without money?' and I find the idea both challenging and inspiring.

The idea that you can start a business without money is a half-truth. As the old adage goes, “It takes money to make money,” and it’s nearly impossible to open a business without any money at all. However, there are cost-saving strategies that can save hundreds to thousands of dollars for business owners who are willing to get creative and resourceful.

Determine Where to Invest Your Resources

When considering how can you start a business without money, let your industry and customers guide the process. For example, a tailoring business requires sewing machines capable of meeting customer needs, while an ice cream shop will need a freezer. That doesn’t mean the most expensive freezer or sewing machine. It’s easy to get caught up in needing the “best” and go over budget. Drawing from my experience with thousands of business owners, here are my favorite tips for starting a business on a budget. I’ll also highlight key areas where it’s wise to invest early on.

Wait to Register Your Business

Many new business owners start by registering their LLC and purchasing a URL for their future website.  While these steps are important, I recommend waiting until you’ve done some initial research. Some business ideas sound great until you jump into the details–especially if it’s an industry that is new for you. For example, I love shopping for kids' toys and love the idea of curating a kids’ toy store. However, because of my experience as a coach and startup expert,  I know that I wouldn’t thrive as a long-term storefront owner.  

Entrepreneurs tend to think creatively and we get a lot of good ideas. Answering the following questions can help you avoid jumping into a business that isn’t a good long-term fit, saving you time and money:

• Is your business name available and not already in use?
• Is your URL (website address) easy for customers to understand and remember?

Once you’ve confirmed those two items, ensure you can confidently answer these questions about your business idea:

• What do you sell?
• Who are your customers?
• Why does your product or service make a difference in the lives of your customers?
• How do you sell your product or service, and how do your customers find you?
• Why do you want to sell?
• How much does it cost to sell your product or service?
• When do you sell your product or service? Is it always available, seasonal, or dependent on other factors? 

Answering these questions may take a few weeks or even a couple of months, and while I know you are eager to move forward with your business, investing the time now will pave the way for a smoother launch.

An additional way to invest early on is to consult a CPA and a lawyer. They can explain legal and tax implications and ensure you avoid investing in a name or product that’s already owned by someone else.

Buy Used and Wait to Purchase

Fifty percent of businesses close within five years, which means a lot of equipment or machinery becomes available at a fraction of the cost. From furniture to espresso machines to decor, buying used can significantly reduce your startup costs. It may require more effort, such as searching used restaurant sites or reaching out to industry peers, but it’ll save your bottom line.

Additionally, avoid buying items before they are absolutely necessary. For example, I’ve wasted money on software subscriptions I didn’t use immediately. These small expenses add up over time. It’s pretty amazing how $15/month can add up when you use multiple services. 

The same caution applies to equipment. Wait until customer demand justifies the purchase. Buying prematurely can lead to unnecessary financial strain. I have worked with business owners who spent tens of thousands of dollars on new vehicles or equipment that didn’t reflect the financial health of the business. They wanted a fancy vehicle to make the business look successful but ultimately, the business closed and the equipment was sold at a loss. If the business owner had waited to invest in the more expensive equipment, they would have kept their costs lower and had an easier time paying the monthly bills when sales didn’t meet their expectations. 

When to Invest

How do you know when it’s the right time to invest in equipment? If you’re turning customers away because you can’t meet demand, it may be time to increase your capacity. However, remember that increasing capacity doesn’t automatically increase customers. Start small and scale gradually.

Plus, an added benefit to buying used? It’s better for the environment and reduces your carbon footprint as a business. 

Free Marketing Works

When exploring how can you start a business without money, free marketing can be one of the most effective ways to grow your business. Leveraging these strategies answers the question, 'How can you start a business without money?'

What do I mean by ‘free marketing?’ Activities that have little or no cost but directly impact your sales. Here are some of my favorite free marketing activities:

• Networking Events: These events give you the opportunity to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones.
• Referrals: Ask friends and family for referrals but be specific about what type of referral is most helpful for you. 
• Google My Business Reviews: These are a must if you have a physical location or serve a local area.
• Word of Mouth: You are your best salesperson. Talk about your business everywhere you go! 
• Partnerships: Collaborate with businesses that serve a similar customer base. This will often help both businesses accomplish more!

Consistency is key! Your customers need multiple touchpoints before they make a purchase decision.

Building a Digital Presence 

A cohesive digital presence can be a wise early investment. A simple website that clearly states who you are and what you do helps build trust. There are many free or low-cost templates options available at a reduced price and you can work with a local graphic designer to provide the level of polish that your customers expect. 

Good Enough is Perfect 

Knowing how can you start a business without money also means recognizing when "good enough" is sufficient.

In the era of aesthetic marketing, it’s easy to think everything must look perfect. But your product or service doesn’t have to be flawless to sell well. If it resonates with your ideal customer and provides high value, then focus on sales! As a consumer, I’ve been disappointed by many products or services that were pitched as “the best” and fell short. Pretty pictures don't make a high-quality product and a stunning logo won’t be as valuable to your customer as a good experience. 

Tiny Tweaks Add Up

You likely have a vision of how you want your business to look in the next year or two. However, your to-do list might feel overwhelming in the face of that vision. I’ve coached many business owners who have felt trapped because they just weren’t sure what to do first. My advice: Start selling in a way that is affordable and manageable now. For instance, if you’re opening a tailor shop but can’t afford high-end machines, offer basic repairs first. Making ice-cream? Start with micro-batches. It’s okay if it’s not exactly what you want, you can make small adjustments and improve as you go. What matters most is listening to your customers and consistently providing value. 

Remember, things rarely turn out exactly how we envision they would and this also applies to starting and running a business. The value in starting to sell before you have the “perfect product” is that it’ll cost you a lot less time and money to make changes than it will once you have higher costs. 

Learn from Others

One of my favorite sources of startup stories is the podcast, How I Built This. It shares founder stories and highlights the challenges and triumphs of building a business. Learning from others’ experiences can help you navigate your own journey.

Investing in Your Business

Figuring out how you can start a business without money is challenging but you can save a lot of time and money by using cost-saving strategies, prioritizing value, and making thoughtful investments. If you’re curious about financing options, check out this post on grants and small business loans.

Getting Started

Ready to take the next step? The Guided Small Business Planner is your go-to resource for building a solid business foundation, minus the guesswork. It walks you through every stage, from identifying your target customers and crafting a marketing plan to setting prices and defining sales goals. 

You May Also Enjoy

• How to Start a Business from Scratch
• What is an example of a Good Business Plan?
• How to Pay Yourself as a Business Owner Without Hurting Your Business

About Flourish In Growth 

We help business owners navigate the ups and downs of building the business they want. Our rules are: Clear, simple, no-fluff, and actionable! Stop doubting yourself. Meet your small business map — The Guided Small Business Planner™. This is a workbook guide with step-by-step instructions for building a strong business foundation. It's your go-to instruction manual with clear instructions for creating a sustainable business. It's not a calendar. It's a guided workbook.