As we approach the promising year of 2026, many small business owners are pausing to reflect thoughtfully on where to focus their energy for the year ahead. The transition into a new year is a chance for renewal and strategic realignment, offering an opportunity to set meaningful resolutions that can impact the future of their businesses.

Based on our extensive experience working with alumni of the Help to Grow Management Course, we’ve identified six key areas that small business owners might consider directing their energy towards in their New Year’s resolutions for 2026. Each of these areas requires actionable steps and a strategic mindset to be effective.

1. Embrace Resilience as a Growth Strategy

Small business leaders are acutely aware of how rapidly conditions can change—market trends fluctuate, recruitment hurdles emerge, and customer expectations evolve, often simultaneously. Navigating these challenges is crucial for survival and success in today’s dynamic environment.

To build resilience, successful leaders intentionally foster a culture of adaptability within their organizations. This involves encouraging team members to collaborate in problem-solving and creating safe spaces for innovative ideas to thrive. Resilience is not just a skill but a deliberate strategy that can empower small businesses to persevere and maintain a competitive edge even during turbulent times.

2. Let Go of Imposter Syndrome

One significant barrier to growth for many SME leaders is a lack of confidence, often stemming from feelings of self-doubt or imposter syndrome. Whether one is a technical expert with limited business acumen or a second-generation leader stepping into a prominent role, overcoming these feelings requires proactive effort.

This may involve enhancing understanding of business fundamentals or engaging with a network of peers for support and encouragement. Louise Morgan, founder and director of TMPR, reflects, “For me personally, imposter syndrome is a deep-rooted feeling that my company has been built on luck rather than by design.” Identifying these challenges is vital. A practical approach can include tracking small achievements, soliciting peer feedback, and institutionalizing development discussions as part of the weekly routine. Gradually, these steps create a foundation of evidence that can bolster confidence.

3. Set KPIs for Enhanced Productivity

A common resolution among small business owners is improving oversight of company performance and productivity. This process begins with precisely defining what success means for each organization, which paves the way for the establishment of tailored Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Choosing meaningful metrics that resonate with the organizational goals is essential, as opposed to focusing solely on impressive-sounding numbers that do not facilitate efficient monitoring. Small adjustments can yield significant improvements—streamlining processes, adopting a digital-first approach to save time, and openly sharing crucial metrics can empower teams. The ultimate aim is to translate insights into informed decisions rather than overwhelming team members with extra reporting duties.

4. Seek Mentorship and Peer Support

Leading a business can often feel isolating. However, connecting with mentors and peers who understand the intricacies of entrepreneurship can provide much-needed reassurance and insight. Alumni frequently share how external perspectives help them clarify their ideas and remain grounded during growth phases.

Richard Sadler, director at CJC Aggregates and Landscaping Supplies, notes, “My mentor challenged me in the right ways. Instead of solely focusing on attracting new customers, my mentor prompted me to explore how we could retain existing customers who are inclined to spend more.” Such exchanges become invaluable, particularly when pressure heightens or when leaders require the space to validate their ideas and make difficult decisions.

5. Optimize Your Organizational Structure

As many businesses enter 2026, it’s essential to ensure that they benefit from a robust organizational structure. A well-defined structure not only aids in clarity regarding individual roles but also supports future growth effectively.

Rebecca Smith, creative director at Pruden & Smith, shares, “Many small businesses struggle due to lack of appropriate organizational frameworks to support growth. As an entrepreneur, I was unfamiliar with the specific roles necessary for scaling, but restructuring provided clarity.” Implementing effective organizational models allowed her to delineate responsibilities and outline development paths, fostering transparency and trust within her team. This approach ensured that individuals could visualize their potential growth while also identifying which areas required her involvement.

6. Treat Succession Planning as a Growth Strategy

Conversations with family-owned businesses reveal that proactive succession planning not only stabilizes but also strengthens the organization. Studies by STEP show that 74% of family businesses with a succession plan agree that it has bolstered their growth and resilience.

For those who’ve delayed discussing succession, committing to this task in 2026 can yield substantial benefits. Addressing the topic early reduces uncertainty, instills confidence in forthcoming leaders, and enables thoughtful planning regarding responsibilities and investments.

Happy New Year! Transform Resolutions into Actions in 2026

Through steady reflection and practical actions, any ambitious organization can improve its position. Regardless of the paths chosen for growth in 2026, now is an opportune moment to set explicit intentions and confidently step into the New Year.

As you consider these resolutions, leveraging AI tools like the AI legalese decoder can significantly enhance your planning efforts. This innovative tool simplifies complex legal jargon, making it easier for small business owners to understand contracts, compliance obligations, and regulatory requirements. By ensuring clarity in legal documents, you can navigate potential risks and make informed strategic decisions, ultimately supporting your growth and confidence as you tackle the year ahead.

Flora Hamilton is the executive director of the Small Business Charter and CEO at the Chartered Association of Business Schools.