According to surveys of ten thousand businesses in four countries (the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia) high-growth businesses do three things differently. They set more aggressive goals; they use fewer, better integrated systems; and they’re finding ways to boost their productivity.

1. Make high growth your goal 

The first step is to make growth your goal because the data suggests growth doesn’t happen by chance. 56% of the respondents at high-growth businesses said “fast growth” is their goal.¹ At businesses with slower growth, only 9% said the same.² That’s a 6X difference. 

2. Focus on your finances

The data shows high-growth businesses are also more focused on their finances. This adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests it pays to invest in financial systems and expertise. For example, high-growth businesses were more likely to report they have a qualified accountant and that they use automated financial management systems.

Cash flow and financing

The extra focus on finances might explain why high-growth businesses are less likely to report cash flow problems compared to slower-growth businesses (72% vs 52%) and more confident in their ability to get financing over the next 12 months (71% vs 48%)—both of which are critical for growth.

Financial literacy

Skills seem to matter, too. Respondents at high-growth businesses were much more likely to describe their own financial literacy as “very high” compared to respondents at slower-growth businesses (60% vs 22%).

3. Work on your productivity

Productivity is rocket fuel for growth. More than 8 out of 10 high-growth businesses (84%) reported productivity gains over the past 3 months. At slower-growth businesses, only 49% reported higher productivity.³ 

High-growth businesses use technology differently

More technology isn’t necessarily the answer—it’s smarter use of technology. On average, high-growth businesses reported using 8 different digital systems or platforms (e.g. software, apps, etc.) compared to 22 at slower-growth businesses. They’re also making more frequent and extensive use of AI.

High-growth businesses expect more from technology

High-growth businesses were more likely than slower-growth businesses to say the number-one benefit of the technology they use is to “improve decision-making” (47% vs 30%). This might explain why they are more likely to report they plan to increase spending on technology over the next 3 months (39% vs 20%).

Key takeaways

The survey data shows clear and consistent differences between high- and slower-growth businesses. High-growth businesses make fast growth their goal, pay close attention to their finances, and are cracking the code for higher productivity. Learn more about the survey.

Sample & methodology

These findings are based on the data collected in three waves of the quarterly Small Business Insights surveys commissioned by Intuit QuickBooks in April, July, and October 2025 in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia (read the full survey methodology here). In the US, Canada, and the UK, respondents were the owners or decision-makers at businesses with 0-100 employees. In Australia, respondents were the owners or decision-makers at businesses with 0-50 employees. The total sample used in this analysis is 10,153 survey respondents across all four countries. Of these, 4,505 respondents were in the US, 1,842 were in Canada, 2,255 were in the UK, and 1,551 were in Australia.

Definitions

1 “High-growth” businesses are the cohort of 374 businesses who described their current business performance as “High growth—we are expanding fast right now.”

2 “Slower-growth” businesses are a cohort of 9,779 businesses who described their current business performance as “Growth—we are expanding at a steady pace” or “Stability—we are doing OK, but not growing” or “Survival mode—times are tough” or “Facing closure—we are unlikely to survive.”

3 Before answering questions about productivity, respondents were given the following definition of higher productivity: “Higher output for the same or lower input.”

Firmographics

The high-growth businesses in the sample had approximately 48 employees, on average. The majority (52%) were established 4-10 years ago. Compared to slower-growth businesses, they were more likely to report earning more than $2.5M revenue (or equivalent) per year, more likely to be located in urban areas (65% vs 44%), more likely to report selling a combination of products and services (63% vs 38%), and more likely to report buying/selling products overseas (74% vs 43%).

Disclaimer

This content, report and materials are for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, financial, investment, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. Intuit Inc., or its affiliates do not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. Intuit Inc., or its affiliates do not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers should verify statements before relying on them.

We provide third-party links as a convenience and for informational purposes only. Intuit Inc. or its affiliates do not endorse or approve these products and services, or the opinions of these corporations or organizations or individuals. Neither Intuit Inc. nor its affiliates assume responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content on these sites.