One of the most satisfying tasks of the small-
business counselor, yet also one of the most challenging, is assisting the
client of an
expanding business. On the one hand, there can scarcely be a more satisfied client than the one whose business has successfully expanded. On the other hand, many a previously successful small business has failed when it undertook an expansion plan that was beyond its resources, or for which it did not have an adequate
management structure in place. This
paper explores the role of the small-business counselor when he or she is approached to assist in expanding the business. The paper shows the importance of setting up a strategic business plan which deals with the finance, marketing, management tools and other elements of the business structure.