Published by Groundwork Business Advisory
Research and practical analysis for owner-led small businesses. Every paper cites its sources, separates evidence from illustration, and ends with steps an owner can take this week.
Latest papers
One page. Seven categories. 100 points. Built only from what a new customer can see when they look you up
This methods note documents how Groundwork scores a small business's public presence. The Company Scorecard rates seven categories that a prospective customer checks before calling (findability, reputation, website trust, path to buy, offer clarity, reason to…
A plain-language guide to the eight terms that protect your pay, your time and your customer relationships
Many small-business disputes begin not with bad intent but with two parties remembering a deal differently. This paper explains when an agreement must be written (the statute of frauds and UCC ยง 2-201), the validity of electronic signatures under the E-SIGN…
A financial guide to hiring costs, break-even revenue and business growth
Growth in sales or hours does not by itself justify a first hire. This paper sets out a five-question test: the fully loaded cost of the position, the additional revenue required at the business's contribution margin, the evidence of demand, the operational…
How to find what is slowing down your small business, and make a smarter next move
Owners usually know what they want next: more customers, staff, advertising or locations. This paper argues that the better first question is what currently limits performance. It sets out ten recurring constraints, from demand and capacity to cash, owner…
Advisory services
These projects solve one piece. Our advisory services look at the whole business.