ESB Business Cycle & Design Process

Opening business

slow start

may see a steady increase in business

seeking investors

finalizing business plans

making business connections

2nd stage

Seeing growth

Able to pay back loans

Passing the break even point and turning a profit

A longer stage due to profitably

​​Survival or Growth Stage

3rd stage

Using profits/resources to establish company in marketplace

Increase recruiting/hire more people (executive suite)

Develop new products or services

​​Success Stage

4th stage

Rapid growth?

Possible public financing

Time to decide on whether or not to grow or expand company

More rounds of investing?

Possible time to sell

Take - Off Stage

5th stage

Business owner separated financially and operationally from business

Making more major decisions

​​Maturity Stage

6th stage

May see a change in sales in existing market

Major decisions ahead

Adjust business model (pivot)

Persist through market changes

Pivot/Persist Stage

7th stage

Could see a decline in sales or market share

Owner decides if selling is an option

Entrepreneurs may look to their next opportunity

Exit Plan