How to choose small markets for business expansion

12/07/2024

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Businesses can reap many benefits by operating within smaller markets. From facing fewer trade restrictions and agreements to expanding their customer base, choosing to hone in on a smaller market can be incredibly profitable.

However, choosing the right small market is crucial to ensure you succeed! 

Identifying potential small markets

Many different factors must be considered when identifying potential small markets to tap into. For example, determine the countries with the best trade deals with Canada. Doing so will simplify numerous business operations, from hiring local staff to shipping products. 

You should also continue to carry out more traditional forms of market research. For example, can you identify the areas in which your target audience lives? Finding your consumers within these smaller markets means that you’re essentially setting yourself up for success from the word go.

Evaluating market viability

When identifying potential small markets for your business, you must also evaluate market viability beforehand and identify any small market challenges. This means that you should further your understanding of: 

  • Key economic factors. Researching the local economy and general consumer habits ahead of time can help you determine the viability of your business succeeding within these small markets.
  • Local regulations. To ensure stress-free trading and business operations, you should familiarize yourself with local regulations beforehand. Otherwise, you could run into legal troubles that put your business on the path to closure. 
  • Local business operations. You must also work hard to understand business operations and practices in the environment you’re tapping into. This will allow you to grow your network and make a name for yourself within the small market and the industry.

Case studies and examples

There are many different examples of businesses that have successfully expanded into emerging economies. Many use these bases as a starting ground before expanding to other countries, markets and spaces. For example, Huawei began in founder Ren Zhengfei’s family home in Shenzhen, China. This business is now a Fortune 500 company.

Businesses that have turned their attention to small markets and developing economies can learn a lot, especially when capitalizing on the rampant opportunities available in these spaces. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the benefits of choosing a small market for business expansion are clear. This is because they often provide a direct pathway toward growth, no matter what industry you operate in. However, to optimize your returns, you should choose your market carefully. This helps you find the best opportunity for your brand or business. 

About the author

Author: FITT Team

The Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) is the standards, certification and training body dedicated to providing international business training, resources and professional certification to individuals and businesses. Created by business for business, FITT’s international business training solutions are the standard of excellence for global trade professionals around the world.

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