StepUp September: A fresh start for you and your business

There’s something about September. Maybe it’s the back-to-school feeling or simply the shift in seasons - but for entrepreneurs, September can be the perfect reset button.

After a busy summer, this month presents an opportunity to pause, reflect, and take a step up. Whether that means setting new goals, sharpening your skills or finding the courage to outsource something that’s been holding you back, September is your invitation to recharge both yourself and your business

That’s why we’re bringing back StepUp September - a month sprinkled with practical tips, inspiring stories and resources to help you move forward with confidence. Each week, we’ll share short, actionable lessons from entrepreneurs, advisers and friends of the community.

The best part? You can join in. Share your own #StepUpSeptember moments with us. We’ll be celebrating your wins along the way!

Monday 1 September

Tip of the day: Protect your energy
Running a small business is exhilarating, but it can also be exhausting. Taking breaks, resting properly and giving yourself space to think is not a luxury - it’s a business strategy. When you recharge, you return with creativity, resilience and perspective.

💡 Your challenge today: Block out time this month for proper rest. Whether that’s a tech-free evening, a long walk, or even a mini break, protect it like you would a client meeting.

Tuesday 2 September

Tip of the day: Set September goals that matter
Instead of making a long list you’ll never finish, focus on 2–3 key outcomes that would make the most significant difference by the end of the month.

Make them SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.

💡 Your challenge today: Write down your business goals for September and stick them somewhere you’ll see them every day. Tell us what they are and let us cheer you on!

Wednesday 3 September

Tip of the day: Outsource one task
One of the most significant growth barriers for small businesses is the belief that you have to do everything yourself. You don’t. Outsourcing frees up time for you to focus on the things that truly move the needle - whether that’s sales, innovation or customer experience.

💡 Your challenge today: Write down one task you could delegate this month (bookkeeping, social media, admin?) and find an expert or an AI intern who can take it off your plate.

Attend this upcoming event on 18 September to learn how to create an AI action plan tailored. to your business.

Thursday 4 September

Tip of the day: Put yourself in the press
You don’t need a big budget to get your business noticed. Journalists are always on the lookout for stories - and small businesses often have some of the best. Tools like #JournoRequest on X or platforms Help a Reporter Out are a direct line to media opportunities.

💡 Your challenge today: Spend 15 minutes searching #JournoRequest, writing a press release or signing up for a free journalist alert service. See if there’s a request you could respond to this week.

Friday 5 September

Tip of the day: Revisit your customer persona
Markets evolve, customers change, and so should your understanding of who you serve. A well-defined customer persona will guide your marketing efforts and prevent you from wasting energy on people who aren’t your target audience.

💡 Your challenge today: Revisit your ideal customer. What’s changed since last year? How do they shop, learn, and make decisions now? Update your persona so your September marketing feels fresh and relevant.

Step forward with us

StepUp September isn’t about adding pressure. It’s about taking small, intentional steps that add up to meaningful progress. Some days you’ll smash through your list. Other days, you’ll simply take a breath and remind yourself why you started. Both count.

I’ll be sharing more lessons throughout the month. I’d love to hear what you’re working on, what you’re learning and how you’re stepping up this September.

👉 Join the conversation with #StepUpSeptember and be sure to tag us!