Like millions of other entrepreneurs, they must determine how to best allocate their limited time, and funds, to foster that growth.
"It's a lot of picking and choosing, and it's not like I have thousands of dollars at my disposal," says Bellacicco Breault. "I go with my gut with what I foresee myself doing, and I take it six months at a time."
Early indications of an economic recovery -- along with increased consumer spending and government efforts to loosen credit -- have business owners nationwide considering the best ways to grow.
After hunkering down during the recession, company chiefs are itching to invest in their firms again. And many expect they'll have the cash to do that.
Three-fourths of small and midsize business CEOs anticipate increased revenues in the year ahead, according to a survey released last week by executive-mentoring group Vistage International. Nearly six in 10 expect rising profits.
About half of those chief executives plan to increase investments in new plants and equipment, and 54% expect to bolster hiring.
"Small businesses have been playing on the defensive side so much -- they've conserved cash, cut costs and trimmed staff for two to three years," says Dan Murphy, co-founder of the business-coaching franchise The Growth Coach. "But now there is renewed optimism. They're starting to see some hope."
As owners breathe out, they're also considering what's next.
"They think, 'I've gotten through the storm. It's time (to invest again),'" he says.
A New Challenge
To offer guidance to expansion-minded entrepreneurs, USA TODAY last fall published a six-part series titled "Growing Your Small Business." It provided tips on topics such as exporting, filing trademarks and working with family and friends.
At the time, we asked business owners to apply for our 2011 Small Business Challenge, a three-month series that would chronicle a business' triumphs and troubles as it expanded.
For the 2010 challenge, USA TODAY followed five small businesses as they evolved from the idea stage to serving their first customer. For six months, the entrepreneurs discussed their progress, challenges and opportunities with three small-business experts.