Rethinking Support for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses: A Call for Systemic Change
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) face a myriad of challenges that threaten their survival and growth. From navigating the complexities of digital transformation to competing against larger corporations with vast resources, these enterprises often find themselves at a disadvantage. This is particularly true for solo operators and local service businesses, who struggle to modernize their operations and leverage technology effectively. The industry problem is clear: the support systems currently in place are insufficient, leaving many SMBs vulnerable and under-resourced.
Defining the Problem
The challenges faced by SMBs are multifaceted. For instance, consider a local plumbing service that has operated successfully for years but has yet to adopt any digital tools. Without a robust online presence or automated scheduling systems, they miss out on potential customers who rely on digital platforms for service discovery. Similarly, a solo entrepreneur launching a new product may lack the strategic guidance necessary to navigate the complexities of market entry, resulting in wasted resources and missed opportunities.
These examples highlight a systemic issue: many SMBs are not equipped to harness the power of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, which can streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. The current approach to supporting these businesses often involves generic consulting services that lack the specificity and empathy required to address their unique needs. As Trevor Goss, Partner at Startedby, notes, "The traditional consulting model often overlooks the nuances of solo operators and under-the-radar founders, leading to solutions that are too broad or misaligned with their realities."
Analyzing Current Failures
Current approaches to supporting SMBs frequently fall short due to several key factors. Firstly, many consulting firms operate on a one-size-fits-all model, which fails to account for the diverse challenges faced by different types of businesses. This can lead to ineffective strategies that do not resonate with the specific operational realities of a plumbing service versus a tech startup.
Moreover, the delivery model often relies heavily on founder-led engagements, which, while beneficial in terms of personalized attention, can create scalability issues. As noted in the insights from Startedby, this model can lead to bottlenecks, as time-intensive engagements limit the number of clients that can be effectively served. Additionally, there is a lack of market awareness regarding the value of AI-enabled strategies, resulting in clients underestimating the potential impact of these technologies on their operations.
A Fresh Perspective for Change
To address these systemic problems, a paradigm shift is necessary—one that emphasizes tailored, empathetic support for SMBs while leveraging the power of AI and automation. This new vision should prioritize the development of lightweight, high-impact solutions that are easily implementable and scalable. For example, productizing common workflows into Software as a Service (SaaS) tools can empower SMBs to automate routine tasks without the need for extensive technical expertise.
Furthermore, building a publishing flywheel through platforms like Substack and Twitter/X can create a community of knowledge-sharing among SMBs, fostering collaboration and innovation. As Goss suggests, "Creating a space where founders can share their experiences and learn from one another can be incredibly powerful in driving collective growth."
Exploring Alternative Approaches
Alternative methodologies could also play a significant role in transforming how SMBs access support. For instance, developing niche consulting lines tailored to specific industries—such as moving companies or local service businesses—can ensure that solutions are relevant and actionable. Additionally, packaging “done-with-you” systems into tiered subscriptions or toolkits can provide SMBs with the resources they need to implement changes at their own pace.
Most companies don’t need another deck — they need a system. At Startedby, we’re rethinking consulting from the ground up: fast, AI-powered, and built to ship real outcomes. Our goal isn’t just to diagnose problems — it’s to solve them with tools that actually get used.
Partnerships with funds, accelerators, or coworking spaces can further enhance the support ecosystem for SMBs. By bundling services and resources, these collaborations can provide comprehensive support that addresses both strategic and operational needs.
Conclusion: A Vision for Positive Change
The future of small and mid-sized businesses hinges on our ability to rethink and reshape the support systems that currently exist. By embracing a more empathetic, tailored approach that leverages AI and automation, we can empower these enterprises to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. The time has come for industry leaders, consultants, and technology providers to collaborate and innovate, creating a robust ecosystem that champions the unique needs of solo operators and local service businesses. Only then can we ensure that the backbone of our economy remains resilient and capable of driving meaningful change.
