Scaling a Business is akin to Raising a Child

Angela and Rory

From Single Mom to Solopreneur:

Scaling a Business is akin to Raising a Child

By Angela McGrady

Single motherhood and solo entrepreneurship—they’re not all that different, are they? Both require juggling a million moving parts, solving problems on the fly, and doing it all with the grace (and grit) of someone who can’t afford to drop the ball. You’re responsible for everything. From grocery runs and school pickups to client calls and making payroll, it all falls on your shoulders. But here’s the thing: you’ve already got the skills to succeed in business because you're already running one—the business of life.

As a single mom, you’ve mastered the art of balancing chaos, and you know what it means to prioritize. You understand time management like no one else, because every minute counts when you’re balancing the needs of your kids with the demands of growing your business. And just like parenting, entrepreneurship means wearing all the hats, often at the same time: marketing, finances, operations—there’s no one else to pass these off to, so you get it done. Sound familiar?

Scaling a business as a solo entrepreneur is like the next phase of motherhood—things get more complex, but you find ways to make it work. You learn to delegate when you can, automate where possible, and stretch every dollar and resource to its limit. You’re building something that needs to support your family and accommodate the unique circumstances of your life. That might mean flexible hours, virtual offerings, or finding creative ways to use community resources—much like you’d handle navigating childcare or school holidays.

But just like raising kids, growing a business comes with challenges that can feel overwhelming. There are days when you’re questioning everything, when you're stretched so thin you’re not sure you can keep going. But here’s the beauty of it—you’ve already proven to yourself that you can do hard things. You’ve handled tough conversations, faced sleepless nights, and made sacrifices without second-guessing the payoff. Every hard-fought victory as a single mother is preparing you for those same wins in your business.

So when you’re feeling like you don’t have it all figured out, remember this: You’ve already done the impossible. Building a business? That’s just another mountain you’ll climb, step by step, just like you’ve always done. And the view from the top is going to be worth it.

Using this framework, let’s line up each milestone with its “business age,” highlighting what each stage requires from you, the business “parent,” and what each age represents in the journey of a business. These stages of business growth each come with their own unique challenges, just like parenting through different ages. Here’s what each stage looks like:

Pregnancy – The Conception of Your Business

In the pregnancy phase, your business is just an idea, something you’re nurturing and growing before it’s ready to be born. This is where you’re doing all the planning, strategizing, and laying the groundwork. It’s an exciting but private time, often filled with anticipation and a lot of groundwork—research, networking, gathering resources. Just like preparing for a child, it takes patience and a lot of trust that what you’re building will grow into something amazing. You’re “pregnant” with possibility.

Infancy/Toddler – 0-3 Years: The Early Hustle

Welcome to the sleepless nights of business infancy. In the first few years, everything is brand new and demanding. Your business is highly dependent on you for survival, and it’s learning how to operate in the world. This is a phase of trial and error, of finding what works and discarding what doesn’t. Just like raising a toddler, it’s hands-on and intense—you’re handling every aspect, working on your brand, honing your offerings, and figuring out how to stand out. This stage requires endless energy, adaptability, and an “all hands on deck” approach to make sure your business makes it through these fragile years.

Preschool – 3-5 Years: Learning the Ropes and Defining Your Place

At three to five years in, your business is finding its footing but still needs guidance. Much like preschool, where kids start to understand routines and social dynamics, your business is learning what it means to survive in a competitive market. You’re refining your brand identity, cementing your target audience, and working to establish consistent revenue streams. However, with 40-50% of businesses failing at this stage, it’s a critical time for stability and growth. This phase requires focus, resilience, and a commitment to keep pushing forward even when challenges arise.

Elementary School – 6-12 Years: Building Market Position and Earning Respect

By six to twelve years, your business is finally getting traction in the market. You’ve weathered the early storms, gained some respect, and are beginning to be seen as a stable presence. Just like an elementary-aged child, your business is gaining confidence, finding its place, and starting to operate with more independence. You’re seeing the fruits of your labor, as brand loyalty grows, reputation builds, and your position in the market strengthens. But just like school, it takes discipline and structure to maintain your progress. This phase is about creating reliable systems, enhancing your offerings, and solidifying your place in the market.

Middle/High School – 13-19 Years: Major Changes and Evolution

The teenage years in business are all about adaptation and evolution. Just like teenagers facing big decisions and life changes, your business at this stage will face major shifts—whether it’s industry changes, market trends, or internal transformations. Your role is to guide the business through these growing pains and prepare it for even greater independence. You might be looking at expansions, pivots, or new offerings, but this is a time to innovate and adapt. Much like parenting a teenager, it’s about balance: allowing your business to grow while keeping it grounded in its core values.

Adulthood – 20 Years: Stability and Legacy-Building

By the time a business reaches 20 years, it’s a full-fledged adult—only 20% of businesses make it to this point. Like an adult child, it doesn’t need your constant attention anymore. Your business has a solid foundation, reliable processes, and a legacy. This stage is all about sustaining growth and ensuring the business can thrive independently. You’re focusing on long-term impact, refining your leadership, and perhaps even stepping back from daily operations. Your business becomes a legacy, something that stands on its own, driven by the values you’ve instilled.

Retirement – 20+ Years or Whenever It’s Time to Transition

Finally, just as people consider retirement, there comes a time to decide if and when you’ll transition. Whether you’re selling, passing it down, or gradually stepping back, this is the point where you consider the future of your business beyond your own involvement. This phase isn’t necessarily an “end” but rather a shift—handing off something you’ve built to a new generation, team, or buyer, and knowing that your hard work has created something that can continue to thrive. It’s a phase that requires introspection, trust, and the readiness to let go.

Each stage mirrors the development of a child, calling on you to be a nurturing, steady presence as you guide your business through its growing pains. Just as you adapt to your child’s needs as they grow, you’ll change your role in the business over time, moving from hands-on caretaker to strategic guide to proud observer. The beauty in this journey is knowing that every milestone you pass is another step toward building something lasting—something that can stand the test of time.

Regardless of where you are on the entrepreneurial journey, the parenting journey, or both simultaneously…I will pray for you. Reach out if I can be of service.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!