The Top 5 Challenges for Small Business Founders in 2025

Happy Sunday!

Let’s get real today and tackle some pressing problems for business owners everywhere.

I have spent a lot of time this week researching the biggest problems experienced by my clients and I’ve extended it to entrepreneurs, founders and small business owners.

I’m including a report and some pointers that may help as a starter.

Grab a cuppa (mine’s a house blend and let’s dive into the details and some possibilities!

The Top 5 Struggles of Small Businesses in 2025 and Tips

In today’s fast-paced world, small businesses, founders and entrepreneurs face unique hurdles that can feel overwhelming.

This article breaks down the top five challenges you might be encountering and offers practical tips to navigate them, especially for professional services companies.

Plus, with it being Coaching Week, there’s a special offer to help you tackle these issues head-on.

Top 5 Struggles:

• Cash Flow and Funding
  Research suggests cash flow and funding are major challenges for business owners and online founders in 2025.
  
  Managing cash flow is vital, but rising costs and limited funding options can strain your business.
  Try creating a monthly cash flow forecast using tools like QuickBooks to anticipate issues.
  Explore crowdfunding or grants for additional support to ease financial pressure.
• Competition
  It seems likely that intense competition makes standing out in shifting markets difficult.
  
  Standing out in a crowded market is tough, especially online. Focus on a niche, like specializing in digital marketing for healthcare, and use content marketing like blogs to build your brand. Engage on social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with your audience.
• Talent Acquisition
  The evidence leans toward talent acquisition being tough, especially for digital skills. Finding skilled digital professionals is challenging due to high demand. Offer flexible work options, such as remote work or flexible hours, and implement mentorship programs to attract and retain talent. Continuous learning opportunities can help keep skills updated

• Client Retention
  Client retention appears crucial, with strategies needed to keep clients engaged.
  
  Keeping clients engaged is key, as retaining customers is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Personalize services through regular check-ins and consider loyalty programs like discounts for repeat customers. Use data analytics to understand client preferences
• Founder Burnout
  Founder burnout is a significant issue, with recent discussions highlighting its impact.
  
  Balancing multiple roles can lead to stress and burnout, with 49% of founders considering quitting. Set work-life boundaries, like defining specific work hours, and delegate tasks to your team. Prioritise self-care, such as exercise or meditation, to maintain energy.

Do these resonate?

Consider your experience. What’s your number 1 challenge at the moment?

What’s your greatest concern for your business and livelihood in 2025?

Download the Full report

I have created a full PDF report - providing a comprehensive overview of the top problems faced by small business founders and entrepreneurs in the online space and offline, as of May 11, 2025, based on recent research and discussions.

The analysis draws from authoritative sources and current trends, ensuring relevance to the current climate.

We explore each challenge in detail, supported by data and insights, and include tables summarising key findings for clarity.

You can grab your free copy here:
https://www.heathervmasters.com/offers/WgVozzr8

Choosing Happy Podcast Update

I have fallen behind with the recording of episodes and am therefore running a week of mini-sodes for international coaching week, starting tomorrow.

Look out for that!

All previous episodes are available…

You can listen on your favourite podcast App or on the website at www.choosinghappypodcast.com

Let me know if there is anything you would like me to cover or if there's anyone you'd like me to interview.

I value your feedback

International Coaching Week Special Offer

Since it’s Coaching Week, I’m excited to offer a “Thrive in 2025” 3-month coaching package, focusing on tackling founder burnout and overwhelm—and other high-ranking issues (as covered above).

We take a comprehensive review of your current operations, performance and strategy, followed by implementing efficiencies, tech (including AI) and systems.

The package includes:

• Month 1: Assess challenges, plan cash flow, and build your brand.
• Month 2: Implement talent, tech, system and client strategies, plus burnout prevention.
• Month 3: Review progress, scale sustainably, and plan long-term.

Could your business benefit from a review and possible upgrade?

Special Offer: Book by May 18, 2025, and save 20% on the package (normally £4,500, now £3,600). Book a free 30-minute strategy call to find out more. Only 5 spots available.

Book your call at https://www.heathervmasters.com/free-strategy-call

That's it for this week!

May your week be blessed, bountiful and filled with moments of clarity and joy.

As ever, my coffee and chat offer stands—reach out anytime.

To your happiness and prosperity.

With all my heart,

Heather

Heather V Masters

Chief Coach, Writer, Trainer and Facilitator of Magic

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

P.S. I’d love to hear about the future you’re choosing! Reply to this email or share your vision with our community on Choosing Happy Community. Let’s inspire each other.

P.P.S. How are you navigating the changes in your business? Hit reply and let me know - I'd love to hear your stories and maybe even feature them in a future newsletter!

P.P.P.S. If this newsletter touched your heart, forward it to a friend who might need a soulful reminder today. Together, we can create a ripple of transformation. Visit www.heathervmasters.com/blog for more inspiration, resources, and community support. Let’s make every moment count.

Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

#1: Check our my Coffee and Coaching Live on my YouTube and Rumble Channels (Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning – 11 am – live). I'm putting a ton of energy into creating heaps of valuable live content that I think you'll like. It’s my aim to create a healthy habit of live content that serves you. Come check out my channel, and give me a like and subscribe.

#2: Strategy Calls

As entrepreneurs, sometimes we just need an hour with another like-minded person to figure out what to focus on next. And to keep it simple. And to identify our next, impactful, action steps.

Sometimes you’re too close to figure that out for yourself.

How often do you take time out to move away from the doing in your business, and focus on the big picture, reviewing the dream and getting to the nitty gritty stuff that niggles you every day?

In the 1-1 strategy sessions I help you cut through the fog and get crystal clear on your next steps toward next level results - more clients, more sales, more effective marketing, tech clarity and simplicity – whatever it is for you.

If you are interested, drop me a message and I will send you full details and how to schedule a call.

#3: Follow me on LinkedIn for more Tech, strategy, systems, marketing tips, and happiness-building.

Finally:

If you have something you want to ask, drop me an email and Let's get your questions answered.

Email: [email protected]