31 Tips for Small Business Owners (2025 Edition)

October is here again, which means it’s time to celebrate Small Business Month in Canada! This month is a time to shine a light on the entrepreneurs, creatives and service providers that keep our communities growing!

Across Canada, 98% of businesses have fewer than 100 employees. That’s nearly 1.1 million small businesses supporting everything from neighbourhood coffee shops and gift boutiques to photographers, tourism operators, and contractors. Together, small businesses employ more than 9.5 million Canadians. That’s over HALF of the Canadian workforce.

But I also want to be real here, because owning a small business in 2025 isn’t the easiest task. It’s a lot of long days, tight margins and big decisions.

I’ve been running KA Social Media for over a decade now, and I know firsthand how many hats you have to wear when running a small business.

So in celebration of Small Business Month, I’m sharing 31 fresh tips to support yourself through your entrepreneurship journey!

Mindset & Sustainability

1. Keep going even on tough days.

Consistency compounds over time, I promise you that! Even when sales are slow or your social media posts feel like they’re not getting any likes, showing up again and again and again builds trust over time.

Small daily actions add up more than occasional big pushes.

2. Find your people.

Running a business can feel lonely, but you don’t have to do it alone. Surround yourself with other people who understand the ups and downs. Networking groups, masterminds, or even one accountability buddy can keep you going.

3. Show your real self.

Customers want to know who they’re supporting. Share your story, the quirky bits of your personality, and your values.

Authentic content like behind-the-scenes clips or candid posts creates stronger connections than polished promos.

4. Celebrate the small wins.

It’s tempting to always look ahead to the next goal, but pausing to celebrate progress keeps you motivated. Did you get a great review? Book a new client? Hit a milestone? Break out the bubbly and celebrate!

5. Take breaks intentionally.

Hustle culture is so outdated. You’ll find that productivity actually improves when you give your body the rest it needs.

Block out time for walks, hobbies, or even mini vacations. A fresh mind is more productive.

6. Learn from your mistakes.

Mistakes are part of the process. Instead of hiding them, reflect on them instead: What can this teach me?

Sometimes failures show you what not to do, which is just as valuable as what does work.

7. Trust your values.

Not every opportunity is the right one. If a client, partnership, or project feels “off,” pay attention to that instinct.

A bad situation can affect your business in the long run, so protect your energy and reputation from situations that don’t align with your values.

Marketing & Online Presence

8. Review and refresh your bios often.

Social media profiles are often the first impression customers get. Make sure your bio clearly explains what you do, who you serve, and how people can work with you. Update links, hours, and highlights seasonally so they’re always up-to-date!

9. Batch your content.

Instead of scrambling daily, dedicate a block of time to write captions, design graphics, or record Reels in advance.

You’ll save time and stress, and your content will feel more consistent.

10. Embrace imperfection in video.

Forget Hollywood-level editing!! People want relatable. A quick, authentic Reel filmed on your phone often performs better than something overly produced. Real > perfect.

11. Experiment with AI tools.

Platforms like ChatGPT can help you brainstorm, draft captions, or outline blogs faster. But remember: your voice is what makes your brand unique. Use AI as a helper, not a replacement.

12. Engage actively.

Social media is a two-way street. Don’t just post and log off! Spend 5–10 minutes commenting on others’ posts, replying to DMs, and joining conversations. That’s where relationships (and eventually sales) are built.

13. Leverage UGC (user-generated content).

Customer photos, testimonials, and tagged posts are gold. Share them! It builds trust, reduces your content load, and highlights happy customers in an authentic way.

14. Repurpose smartly.

Don’t reinvent the wheel, as they say. A single blog post can become a LinkedIn article, a carousel, a Reel script, and a newsletter. Stretch your content so it works harder for you instead of coming up with new content for every platform.

Just make sure you tweak it for the platform you’re posting on!

15. Watch your analytics.

Instead of guessing what works, use your platform insights. Look for trends like what posts get saves, shares, or comments. Double down on what resonates, and stop wasting time on what doesn’t!

Business Operations & Growth

16. Work on your business, not just in your business.

It’s easy to get stuck in daily tasks, but growth comes from having a clear strategy around what you’re spending time on. Schedule time to review goals, refine processes, or brainstorm new offers.

17. Keep finances distinct.

Mixing personal and business finances is a recipe for disaster come tax time. Separate accounts make taxes easier, give you clarity, and make you look more professional to lenders or partners.

18. Invest in your business with intention.

Spending money wisely can accelerate the growth of your business. The right tool, course, or contractor may feel expensive up front, but it can save you time and increase revenue in the long run.

19. Know your margins.

Revenue means nothing if your expenses eat it all up! Track your sales, yes, but also profit margins. Understanding your numbers empowers smarter pricing and decisions!

20. Schedule “me time.”

As the boss, you need space to think! Treat strategy, rest, or personal development as appointments you absolutely can’t miss. Your business depends on you being at the top of your game.

21. Simplify your offers.

Trying to be everything to everyone spreads any business owner pretty thin. Instead, focus on the services or products you do best. Specialization builds authority and keeps you from burning out.

Clients, Community & Relationships

22. Listen deeply to feedback.

Reviews, surveys, and casual comments all matter when it comes to your business. Even critical or negative feedback can guide you to make improvements that strengthen your business.

23. Build your email list.

Algorithms change, but your email list is yours forever. Collect addresses at networking events, online, or through lead magnets. Then, nurture that list with valuable newsletters.

24. Be the solution.

Customers don’t just buy products for the sake of it. They buy results and solutions to their problems. Frame your marketing around how you solve their problem, not just what you sell.

25. Personal touches matter.

A handwritten thank-you, a quick check-in message, or remembering a client’s milestone sets you apart. Small gestures build loyalty.

26. Give back locally.

Supporting other small businesses, sponsoring local events, or donating time strengthens your community ties and customers notice!

27. Show gratitude.

Publicly thank your customers, vendors, and collaborators. Gratitude builds goodwill and creates lasting relationships.

Future-Proofing & Growth Mindset

28. Stay curious.

Keep learning through courses, podcasts, or mentorships. The business world changes quickly, and knowledge is your key to creating long-lasting success.

29. Stay adaptable.

The only constant in business is change. Whether it’s AI, new platforms, or shifting consumer habits, flexibility keeps your business relevant.

30. Partner smartly.

Collaboration can open new doors you never would have thought of. Team up with complementary businesses for joint offers, events, or cross-promotions that expand both of your audiences.

31. Think beyond Q4.

Don’t only focus on this season’s sales. Plan your goals for 2026, set aside resources for growth, and align today’s actions with your long-term vision.

Owning a small business in 2025 is both challenging and so incredibly rewarding. With 98% of businesses in Canada being small and employing more than half of the country’s workforce, we are the backbone of the economy. Your work matters so much, not just to your customers but to your community.

This October, use Small Business Month as a reminder to celebrate how far you’ve come, refresh your strategies, and set yourself up for what’s next.