How Much Does Your Business Have to Change When Upgrading From a Startup to an SME?

Julie Starr • November 2, 2023

So you’ve been working on your crazy idea and you’ve finally made some progress. You’ve hired your first few employees, have a few clients, and you’ve got new products in the works. Things are looking great for your little startup, and you’re feeling good about your chances in the business world.


So now you decide to upgrade to an SME.


Well, it’s not like there’s a test or certification you have to pass in order to be classified as an SME. In many ways, how people class your business and its size is entirely up to them. But if you’re looking to be taken more seriously by the rest of your industry, then there are definitely a few things you can do in order to improve.


It’s time to get more formal with your employees

Having a startup is great because you get to chat with and engage with your employees like they’re friends. However, as things get more serious, you need to start getting more formal. They need to be held accountable for their actions, everyone’s got their own role to play, and you have to start paying them proper wages and giving them decent benefits. These are things that will attract people to work at your company, and it’s also what will entice people to stay.


For instance, you’re going to have to install something like an employee clock in system to keep track of how many people are working, what you owe them, and so on. You’ll also need to consider human resources. You could hire an external team to help with disputes, or you could hire someone for your business if you’ve already got a dozen or more team members.


Team dynamics can change a lot when you start growing your business, but it’s important to maintain your company culture as well. Different companies experience different kinds of growing pains, and many of them usually come from a clash of personalities and differences in the team.


Scaling up your operations and technologies

One of the simple ways to grow your business is to add technology. It’s a lot more nuanced than just throwing together some software and expecting your team to use it though!


You have to consider what sort of technology you rely on or need to use in your business. Some companies find it easier to work together with their employees to figure these things out. For instance, your workers might find it hard to market your business because you’re not using a customer relationships management package. Similarly, you might still be using cheap software or unsecured operating systems that are considered a security risk.


As you scale up your operations, you’ll need technology that can handle the growth. Hiring an IT specialist is one way to manage these expectations, but you’ll also need to consider what’s best for your team as a whole. Focus on technologies that can scale well, and don’t hesitate to try new things and introduce different processes that could make things more efficient later in the future.

Blockchain for Sustainability: Cutting Through the Hype with Strategic Communication

By Julie Starr • April 28, 2025
As blockchain continues to gain traction in sustainability circles—from tracking carbon credits to improving supply chain transparency—more organizations are exploring how these emerging tools might support their ESG goals. But with innovation comes complexity, and for many stakeholders, blockchain still feels like a black box. That’s where communication becomes essential. At Taiga Company, we work with clients to simplify complex sustainability narratives without oversimplifying the value. While blockchain can offer traceability and transparency, it’s not a silver bullet—and how you talk about these technologies matters just as much as how you use them. Poor communication can undermine credibility, especially in a landscape where stakeholders and regulators are increasingly alert to greenwashing . On the other hand, clear, honest messaging about blockchain-enabled sustainability efforts can build trust and differentiate your leadership. Our approach is grounded in materiality and alignment. We help organizations: Translate technical tools like blockchain into plain language that resonates with diverse audiences Connect new technologies to core sustainability strategy Craft credible narratives that evolve alongside innovation Blockchain may be new territory, but strategic communication remains the foundation. Whether you're piloting traceability tools or just starting to explore how blockchain fits your ESG roadmap, we help you tell the story with clarity and confidence. Let’s make innovation meaningful.

6 Things All Modern Businesses Need in 2025

By Julie Starr • April 22, 2025
If you’re starting your own business, then you know all too well that it’s equally an exciting and overwhelming time. There’s so much to think about, and you want to get it right from day one. But it doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as you might think. Let’s go through everything your new business needs to hit the ground running this year. A Clear Business Plan Before anything else, take the time to figure out your game plan. This doesn’t need to be a long, boring document that you’ll never look at again. Think of it as a simple guide that answers three key questions: Who are you selling to? What are you offering? And how are you going to get noticed? Once you’ve written that down, you can always tweak it as your business grows. From a communications standpoint, clarity on your audience and value proposition also sets the foundation for authentic brand storytelling—something Taiga Company helps clients refine at every stage. Responsible Financial Management Money is one of those things that can make or break a business. The good news is you don’t need a finance degree to get it right. Start with a simple budget. Know how much is coming in, what’s going out, and what you’re setting aside. Think about things like stock, marketing, bills and wages if you’re hiring. Keep it realistic and keep it updated. Doing this from day one will make life much easier later. Reliable Cloud Services In 2025, storing everything on your laptop isn’t really a safe bet. Files go missing, computers break, and you don’t want to lose important stuff. That’s where cloud services come in. They keep your files secure, backed up and easy to access from anywhere. Whether it’s documents, customer info or creative work, having it all saved online gives you peace of mind. And when you're building a business in a digital-first world, having secure, accessible assets also means your team can collaborate more efficiently across channels—essential for strong communications. Flexible Payment Options Most people don’t carry cash anymore, so if you’re only accepting it, you’re going to lose sales. Get yourself a card reader that takes all the usual stuff like debit cards, credit cards, contactless and Apple Pay. The easier you make it for someone to pay you, the more likely they are to buy. Simple as that. A Basic Website Even if you’re not selling online, you still need a website. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just something that tells people who you are, what you do, and how they can contact you. Think of your site as your digital front door. If someone hears about your business, chances are they’ll look you up online. Make sure what they find actually helps them. A clear website is also one of the most powerful communication tools your business has. We work with clients to ensure their digital presence reflects their story, purpose, and value. A Way to Spread the Word You can’t rely on people just stumbling across your business. You’ve got to put yourself out there. Social media is a great start, but don’t stop there. Think email newsletters , posters in your local area or even just chatting about your work whenever it comes up naturally. The more you talk about your business, the more others will too. Starting a business in 2025 is a big move, but it doesn’t have to feel impossible. Get the basics in place, stay flexible and keep learning. With the right tools and the right message, you can build momentum and create connection. Taiga Company helps growing businesses translate operational essentials into brand trust and long-term impact.