In this episode of the Business Builder Series, I’m diving into one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of entrepreneurship: planning for the true cost of growth. It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of scaling that we forget growth always costs money, time, and energy before it pays off. I’m sharing practical, grounded advice for planning your growth intentionally so it strengthens your business instead of stretching it too thin.

Key topics covered:

• Why every stage of growth eats up cash — and how to prepare for it
• Understanding true growth costs: team, tools, time, and implementation
• How to plan ahead so you can fund your growth without creating chaos
• Building financial buffers and cash flow forecasts to support expansion
• The difference between growing out of clarity versus growing out of FOMO
• How intentional, well-funded growth builds a stronger, more sustainable business

Challenge:

Write down your top one to two growth goals for the next quarter. Then ask yourself — what will this really cost in time, tools, and team? Add a buffer, and decide how you’ll make it possible.

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

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Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!