A dark-haired woman sits in her living room and uses a laptop. She has one hand held to the side of her neck and she looks down at the laptop screen thoughtfully. In the background, a string of golden Christmas lights is wrapped around a small tree on a side table and extends onto some shelves mounted on the wall above a TV.
Looking forward to next year? So are these business owners, who have big plans for 2025. — Getty Images/Milan Markovic

Amid the continued inflation, high-stakes presidential election, and talent shortages of 2024, many small businesses are eagerly anticipating a fresh start in 2025. During the final quarter of this year, business owners are already laying the groundwork for reaching their big goals in the year ahead.

Below, five entrepreneurs shared their 2025 small business resolutions and how they plan to achieve them. These business owners all aspire to have an even greater impact on their communities and the people they serve through their work.

Introduce new products made with locally grown kelp

Biddeford, Maine–based Atlantic Sea Farms is the first commercial seaweed farm in the United States and is responsible for the majority of the country’s seaweed farming. This vertically integrated business produces kelp seeds, sells them to local fishermen, and buys back their harvests to produce and sell kelp-based products to consumers.

Founder and CEO Briana Warner says Atlantic Sea Farms’ biggest business goal for 2025 is to launch new high-nutrition products made with regeneratively grown U.S. seaweed.

“Our new products will give more people across the country access to kelp grown by Maine family ocean farms,” said Warner. “The more kelp we sell, the more impact we have on diversifying waterfront incomes in the face of climate change while mitigating some of the effects of climate change.”

Launch a scholarship program to make gymnastics classes more accessible

Industry Gymnastics is a Long Island City, New York–based gymnastics facility that has created an inclusive space for gender-expansive kids, children with special needs, and those who simply love gymnastics. Natalie Fuertes, Founder and Owner of the gym, believes this inclusivity is “transformative for children’s mental health and growth” and wants to bring this experience to as many students as possible.

“We’d like to launch a scholarship program to make our classes accessible to low-income and underrepresented families,” Fuertes said. “For us to make this happen, we need to get our name out there and partner with those who believe in the power of community, inclusivity, and change. With grants, corporate partnerships, angel investors, and community fundraising, we’re set on making this vision a reality.”

[Read more: 10 Goal-Setting Methodologies to Use at Your Business]

The more I can translate our knowledge of neuroscience to teach my clients "how to be their own CEO," the more confident and competent they will feel.

Rebecca Mannis, PhD., Learning Specialist, Ivy Prep Learning Center

Open new locations to bring locally farmed coffee to new cities

787 Coffee is known for two things: Its unique and delicious coffee, grown directly by the company on its own farm in Puerto Rico, and the vibrant, creative atmosphere in its New York, Texas, and Puerto Rico coffee shops. Founder and CEO Brandon Peña hopes to bring 787’s locally grown coffee to three more cities in 2025, which will bring the company closer to its goal of 100 coffee shops in less than five years.

“Our mission to be a force for good continues as we deepen our commitment to sustainability—reducing waste and honoring the environment from our farm in Puerto Rico to our coffee shops,” Peña told CO—. “Expanding our coffee empire while staying true to our values will guide us as we introduce new locations and online offerings. In everything we do, we aim to uplift the communities we serve and inspire others.”

Establish partnerships to help American businesses expand globally

Since founding Aquantuo in 2016, Clement Owusu-Donko has worked to facilitate seamless cross-border commerce in a growing number of African countries. This Dover, Delaware–based company allows customers in eight African nations to purchase products directly from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and China online, while Aquantuo handles international shipping, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery.

Owusu-Donko says one of his business’s primary goals for the new year is to establish e-commerce and 3PL (third-party logistics) partnerships that help U.S.-based businesses reach the untapped African market.

“Our goal is to be seamlessly integrated into their checkout systems, giving African shoppers the option to ship directly to Africa at the time of checkout … [and] ultimately boosting the market share of U.S.-based businesses,” he said. “For businesses looking at 3PL/4PL offerings, we are positioned to offer warehousing in the U.S. or Africa to be able to warehouse and fulfill orders for them as we integrate our 3PL software directly into their platforms.”

[Read more: 6 Things to Consider Before Taking Your Business Global]

Refine care and working relationships with worldwide students

Rebecca Mannis, PhD., is a Learning Specialist who strives to improve educational outcomes through individualized instruction suited to each student’s learning style. Her biggest goal for her business, Ivy Prep Learning Center, is to refine how she provides expert care for her global student base while maintaining a strong, close working relationship.

“The ‘executive function’ demands of staying organized, efficient, and focused in our age of information overload can be overwhelming — for my clients and for me!” Mannis explained. “The more I can translate our knowledge of neuroscience to teach my clients ‘how to be their own CEO,’ the more confident and competent they will feel. Our working relationship will grow stronger through [these efforts, and] … to me, the working relationship is central to excelling at learning and workplace goals.”

CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.

CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.

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