Bridget Manahan, a commercial banker with Western Bank and the long-time Upsize Growth Challenge finance expert, likes to counsel her business owner clients about celebrating the journey.

The progress happens in the smaller wins in the short term, she says, and then owners can build from there. “The smaller wins affirm what you’re doing, and it builds momentum toward the next big goal,” is how she puts it.

The same thing goes for financial performance: Set incremental benchmarks, and when each is reached, take time to recognize the accomplishment and build upon it.

“Financial performance benchmarks will continue to serve you well,” she told one Upsize Growth Challenge winner. “It’s critical to ensure that now it becomes part of your discipline.”

And finally, she acknowledges the importance of teams, and how they must be developed over time, with regular meetings and set agendas. “You’ve mentioned the importance of culture. Building some consistency in bringing people together and talking strategically–that’s a big deal and that’s an important piece,” she advises small-business owners.