While many small business owners struggle to keep a single business afloat, others have already understood that diversifying may be the key to growth. The most common mistake is believing that expansion requires a large initial capital, when in reality, the right strategy is worth more than any investment. Raphael Mattos, entrepreneur, investor, and franchise expert, explains how small business owners can multiply their income streams without compromising their original operation and why those who don’t learn this logic risk being left behind.
“Serial entrepreneurship is not a luxury for those with money to spare. It’s survival for those who want to stay in the game. Those who bet everything on a single business run the risk of seeing years of effort crumble in the face of a crisis, a market shift, or a more innovative competitor. Expanding doesn’t mean opening multiple businesses at once, but rather structuring an intelligent model where one business strengthens another, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that grows sustainably,” says Mattos.
The owner of a car wash who notices the growing demand for automotive aesthetics can add this service without major investments. The small restaurant with loyal customers can launch a line of frozen meals or sell exclusive spices. The barber who understands what his clients consume can create his own brand of men’s products. The manicurist who builds client loyalty can offer online courses on nail extension techniques. The stationery store owner can add quick printing and on-demand services. In all these cases, the secret isn’t starting a new business from scratch but leveraging existing customers and infrastructure to generate new revenue.
“Every small business owner needs to ask themselves one question: Am I selling everything my customer could buy from me? Many entrepreneurs limit their earnings because they don’t realize that the person who already trusts their service or product is willing to consume more. And that’s the first step to expanding without needing a big investment,” emphasizes Mattos.
Another essential strategy for serial entrepreneurship without risks is decentralizing operations. Small business owners who centralize everything in themselves end up becoming their own biggest bottleneck for growth. To scale, you need to build replicable processes, delegate tasks, and create a system where the business runs without the owner needing to be present all the time. ‘If your business depends 100% on you, it’s not a business—it’s a job in disguise,’ warns Mattos.
Beyond diversifying products and services within the same business, there are expansion opportunities in models like licensing and simplified franchises. Many small entrepreneurs already have successful operations that could be replicated elsewhere with much less investment than imagined. The key differentiator lies in structuring a model that can be followed by third parties without compromising quality.
“The mindset of small business owners needs to change. Many think serial entrepreneurship is for millionaires, but in reality, small businesses benefit the most from this strategy. Those who learn to scale, diversify, and structure processes grow sustainably and also protect themselves against crises and market fluctuations,” concludes Mattos.
