Women entrepreneurs usually start their businesses from scratch, using only savings and investments. Social and family influences may limit women’s ability to succeed as entrepreneurs. Demands from work and family that are imposed on women will put a woman under pressure. Women are usually modest, they should build up their confidence and be proud of their accomplishments. In addition to personal skills, starting a business to scale up needs to acquire relevant business knowledge and skills. With the limitation of time, capital and network, seeking for expert advice to solve business issues become difficult to access.

During the startup phase, entrepreneurs spend their time meeting people, coming up with new ways to sell their products or services and consistently implementing new ideas. At this point, they won’t have many processes and tweak their business model to get a sense of the market and how to turn a profit. Although it's an exciting time, it's where most businesses fail. Entrepreneurs should figure out a business model that allows for sustainable cash flow, consistent growth and the ability to hire other people to run it.

In the growth phase, clients should be able to explain their business model to other prospects. Keep their pricing level with modest increases for new clients. Existing client relationships should be maturing past the three- to four-year mark.

The growth phase is where business solidifies its stance in the marketplace. Entrepreneurs should turn their focus to build teams and hire higher-level people to run operations. Time should be spent on activities that help the company grow and to strengthen the relationships with clients.

The growth phase will require investment. Entrepreneurs will have to give back profitability to fund growth or seek outside investment capital either through investors or debt.