Lesson Plan

• Describe at least five factors that cause businesses to remain small.
• Explain how an owner’s personal objectives influence the decision to stay small.
• Analyse the impact of financial constraints and management capacity on growth potential.
• Evaluate the role of market niche, risk aversion, regulatory constraints and technology in limiting size.
• Apply the identified factors to a case study to predict whether a business will remain small.

• Projector and laptop for slides
• Printed handout summarising the eight factors
• Case‑study worksheets
• Whiteboard and markers
• Sticky notes for brainstorming
• Flowchart diagram (printed or digital)
• Kahoot or paper quiz for exit ticket

Begin with a quick poll: “What do you think stops a business from getting bigger?” Capture ideas on sticky notes, link them to prior lessons on business growth, and outline today’s success criteria – students will identify and explain the key reasons some businesses stay small.

1. Do‑now (5'): Students list reasons businesses might stay small; share a few responses.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Teacher presents the eight factors using slides and the flowchart diagram.
3. Guided analysis (15'): Small groups receive a case study, identify relevant factors, and complete the worksheet.
4. Whole‑class discussion (10'): Groups present findings; teacher clarifies misconceptions and highlights connections.
5. Consolidation / Exit ticket (5'): Quick Kahoot quiz – name three factors and explain one in detail.

Recap the eight factors and how they interact, then ask students to write one sentence summarising why a small business might choose not to expand. Collect exit tickets and assign homework: locate a local small business, interview the owner (or research online), and write a short paragraph linking at least two of the factors discussed.