Business Management: Tools, Templates & Strategies for Growing Companies
Build a stronger, more resilient business with free tools, expert insights, and real-world guidance.
At Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF), we help you tackle the everyday challenges of business ownership – from managing people and streamlining operations to planning for long-term growth. Through personalized advising, on-demand learning, grant opportunities, and a robust Business Resource Center, you’ll find the clarity and support you need to lead with confidence and make decisions that move your business forward.
Business Building Starts Here. Lead with Confidence.
Running a business means wearing many hats – from managing teams and setting goals to tracking performance and navigating constant change. That’s why Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF) offers free, expert-backed support to help you lead with confidence and grow with intention.
On this page, you’ll find actionable business management strategies, downloadable templates, and personalized business coaching – all at no cost, and all designed by people who’ve walked in your shoes.
Key Business Management Topics
Setting Clear Goals and Tracking Progress
- Define SMART business goals tied to revenue, operations, or customer success
- Build dashboards or use checklists to track monthly progress
- Set OKRs (Objectives & Key Results)
Team Management and Delegation
- Learn to hire, onboard,train and manage team members effectively
- Improve internal communication with clear roles and SOPs
- Use our team productivity tracker to assign and monitor tasks
Decision-Making with Financial Data
- Understand your business’s key financial indicators
- Use data to guide inventory, staffing, and pricing decisions
- Calculate your break-even point
Systems and Operations
- Identify where your processes break down and how to fix them
- Learn to document workflows so your business runs without you
- Explore time-saving software options vetted by real business owners
Real Success Story: Effective Business Management Helped Romares Apparel Grow from Game Days to Long-Term Success
Sheneka launched Romares Apparel in 2017, starting small but managing growth strategically through persistence, smart financial decisions, and community support. Despite early discouragement and funding rejections, she maintained control of her business by reinvesting personal savings and leveraging emergency relief during COVID-19. Through AOF’s partnership with FedEx, , she sharpened her digital marketing strategy, built a supportive network, and secured a grant to scale operations effectively. Today, Sheneka is expanding with a long-term growth plan, showcasing how thoughtful business management can turn setbacks into sustained success.
AOF Advisor Tips
AOF Advisor Tip: Never manage your team without a written process. Even a simple one-page SOP makes onboarding 10x easier.
AOF Advisor Tip: Track your business tasks weekly – not just your financials. Operations are what keep you afloat.
AOF Advisor Tip: Set one monthly priority. If everything is a priority, nothing is.
Get free guidance from AOF – Schedule your first session today
Common Mistakes in Business Management
Winging It Without a Plan
Running a business without a clear plan often leads to confusion, wasted time, and stalled growth. Take time to outline your top goals for the month and break them into weekly action steps. A simple check-in system – whether with your team or yourself – helps keep progress on track and priorities aligned.
Avoiding Hard Conversations
Many business owners shy away from giving tough feedback, but silence can create bigger problems. Being clear and direct with your team builds trust, accountability, and a culture of growth. The earlier you address issues, the easier they are to solve – and the more respect you earn as a leader.
Trying to Do It All Yourself
Wearing every hat might work at the beginning, but it’s not sustainable. Delegating tasks to others: whether employees, contractors, or advisors – frees up your time to focus on what really moves your business forward. Burnout is not a badge of honor; it’s a barrier to long-term success.
Business Management FAQs
What if I don’t have employees yet?
These resources help solo founders manage time, operations, and prepare to scale.
Do I need business software to improve management?
Not necessarily. Start with paper checklists or spreadsheets – then scale up as needed.
How can I get help with my management challenges?
Schedule time with an AOF business advisor for free one-on-one guidance.
Is this for new or established businesses?
Both. Our templates and tools work whether you’re hiring your first employee or leading a growing team.
Free Resources to Strengthen Your Business Management
6 Tips for Small Business Management
Key Financial Metrics for Business Growth
How Small Businesses Can Collaborate to Grow
Ready to Build Smarter, Stronger Business Operations?
Let AOF help you manage smarter, not harder. Talk to an advisor who can help you streamline for future success.
Why Choose AOF for Business Management Support?
Nonprofit Mission, Practical Help
Accion Opportunity Fund isn’t here to generate profits – we’re here to generate impact. Our resources are built by and for real small business owners, reflecting the realities and challenges entrepreneurs face every day. As a nonprofit, we reinvest every dollar into tools, training, and lending programs that help communities thrive – not into shareholder pockets.
Real People. Real Advice. Real Business Advising
Our advisors understand the real-world pressures of running a business – and they’re here to help. Whether you’re managing a team, planning for growth, or solving daily challenges, AOF’s experts offer simple, actionable guidance you can actually use. No confusing buzzwords or one-size-fits-all playbooks – just honest advice tailored to your business.
Free & Accessible Resources To Grow Your Business
Everything we offer is completely free, because we believe that cost should never be a barrier to business success. There are no subscriptions, hidden fees, or paywalls – just open access to proven tools, templates, and training. From checklists to coaching, it’s all designed to be easy to use and ready when you need it.
Effective Business Management – Powered by 30 Years of Lending Experience
For over 30 years, AOF has supported small businesses with trusted loans and resources.
- $1 billion+ deployed in nearly 35,000 loans
- In FY24 alone: $97 million disbursed to 1,699 businesses
- 4.5M small business owners have accessed our free Business Resource Library
- 35,000+ used our coaching, events, and technical assistance
- 107,000+ jobs supported through business lending and the New Market Tax Credit Program (NMTC)
- 67% of business owners with lower credit scores improve their credit to a decent or good level by the time they finish paying off their loan
