Four Trends for Small Business Growth in a Slow Economy

Four Trends for Small Business Growth in a Slow EconomyFour Trends for Small Business Growth in a Slow EconomyFour Trends for Small Business Growth in a Slow EconomyJune 4, 2012 Berkowitz, Esq.Despite the countrys slow climb out of the recession, some small businesses are bucking the trend and showing sternbezogen growth. Some of these success stories are highlighted in the Urban 100.The Boston-based Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC)conducts a yearly survey of successful urban small businesses, in search of small business trends and ideasthat others can put to use.This year, ICICs Urban 100 revealed a number of shared traits that contributed to their growth and successEmployee retention tactics that focus oninvestment in the workforce through enhanced employee benefits, healthcare, opportunities for continuing employee education and other programs that speak to a well-thought out recruiting strategythat will enable you grow your business.Establishment of a large anchor c ustomer (such as a healthcare system) that has been able to weather the economic downturn fairly unscathed.A business planthat is focused on making money while supporting a good cause, such as providing healthy and low-cost school lunches.Pursuit of a food service business in general the food service industry is seeing a lot of growth, even as other small businesses are struggling.