Y’all, the year is almost over, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering where the time went. Can you believe there are less than 30 days left in 2024? Crazy! But before you pop bottles for 2025, we have some business to handle.

Running a small business can feel like having 10 tabs open in your brain at all times. Trust me, I get it—I’m a busy mama of five, juggling multiple businesses, homeschooling, holiday chaos, and year-end tasks. December can be a lot. Between holiday sales, family obligations, and trying to catch up on everything you didn’t get to, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

That’s why I swear by checklists and routines to keep me on track. Over the next couple of weeks, try focusing on these 5 essential tasks, so you can wrap up 2024 strong and step into 2025 with confidence!

5 End-of-Year Tasks for Small Business Owners to Wrap Up 2024

Identify any unfinished tasks and goals

Reflect on your win/losses

Review finances

Check-in with your customers

Tighten up your systems

Pause & Recharge

1. Identify any unfinished tasks and goals

   Now’s the perfect time to take a step back and check in on your progress. Reflect on the goals you set at the beginning of the year, quarter, or even this month. What’s still left on your goals/to-do list?

   
   

   Ask yourself:

   - Are there tasks or goals left to accomplish?

   - Can they realistically be knocked out in the next 24 days?

   
   

   If the answer is yes, write them down and make a plan to tackle them before the year ends. Then, create a separate list of the goals and tasks you’re ready to hit the ground running with at the start of the new year.

   
   

2. Reflect on your win/losses

   Next, take a moment to review your wins and losses. What did you try this year that

   didn’t work out? What did you try that was a total success? Be real with yourself about what flopped and what popped. Celebrate those wins—big or small—and take the lessons from the losses.

   
   

   Now, think about what you could have or should have tried. Are there ideas or strategies still on your mind? Make a list of things you want to try over the next 24 days and another list for the new year. This way, you’re closing out 2024 strong while setting yourself up for a winning start in 2025.

   
   

3. Review finances

   Hopefully, you’ve been keeping your personal and business accounts separate and holding onto receipts for expenses—but if not, now’s the time to get it together.

   
   

   Here’s an idea of what you should tackle:

   
   

   • Double-check your books: Make sure everything balances and there aren’t any surprises.

   • Reconcile your accounts: Match up your bank statements with your bookkeeping records to make sure everything is accurate.

   • Track down unpaid invoices: If a client still owes you money, send out reminders now -don’t let those payments slip into next year. (You honestly shouldn't have waited until this point. I hope you have a late fee in place.)

   • Make a list of deductions: Review your expenses for potential tax write-offs. Think business meals, travel, equipment, or even home office expenses.

   
   

   Getting your finances in order now will save you stress—and maybe even some money—come tax season. If you have a tax pro already reach out and see what info they may need from you and get your appointment on their books. If you don't have a tax pro now is the time to find one. They will be hard to get in touch with soon.

   
   

4. Check-in with your customers

   Do you have a system for regularly checking in with your customers? Communication shouldn’t only happen when there’s a complaint. Take time to review the feedback you’ve received—both good and bad—and identify areas where you can grow.

   
   

   If you don’t have a system in place, now’s the perfect time to start. Reach out to past customers to follow up on their experience. Check what people are saying about your business on social media. Consider creating an anonymous survey to gather honest feedback. These small efforts not only build stronger relationships but also give you valuable insights to help your business improve and thrive.

   
   

   This is also the perfect time to send out Thank You emails, give an end-of-the-year discount code, and/or social media shout-out to your customers.

   
   

   

   
   

5. Tighten up your systems

   Do you have systems in place to keep your business running smoothly? Are they working as efficiently as they should? Or could they use a little tweaking? Maybe it’s not the system itself but your understanding of how to use it that needs some work. Whatever the case, take some time to review and refine your processes. Your systems should be making your life easier, not harder—so make sure they’re pulling their weight and helping your business operate like a well-oiled machine.

   
   

   Automation comes in a clutch! Don't underestimate its abilities to help you not only grow but alleviate some of the stress/tasks on your plate. I’ll make this another post with some pros and cons of Automation and how to get started.

   
   

6. Pause & Recharge

   
   

   Of course, it’s easier said than done when your to-do list is a mile long but try and add in some downtime before the new year. Everyone knows the saying You can’t pour from an empty cup. Refill your cup and relax before returning to the grind.

   
   
   
   

Wrapping up the year doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little planning and focus, you can tackle these essential end-of-year tasks and set yourself up for success. Remember, it’s not about doing it all; it’s about doing what matters most for your business.

Take a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come, learn from the lessons, and give yourself grace as you prepare to finish 2024 strong. Whether you’re tightening up systems, reconnecting with customers, or simply getting your finances in order, every step you take now will make a difference in the year ahead.

Let’s end the year on a high note and step into 2025 with clarity, confidence, and momentum. You’ve got this!

And don’t forget to download this Review & Reflect 2024 template to help you stay organized and focused as you finish the year!