Affordable and Reliable Payroll Services for Small Businesses: Boost Efficiency and Save Time

Managing payroll is one of the most critical functions of a small business. Whether you’re a solopreneur, a startup, or an established small business, payroll processing can be time-consuming, confusing, and prone to human error. This is where payroll services for small businesses come into play. These services are designed to simplify the process of paying employees, calculating taxes, and ensuring compliance with labor laws.
With the right payroll service, small businesses can save time, reduce the risk of mistakes, and stay compliant with constantly changing regulations. In this article, we will explore the benefits of payroll services, key features to look for, and provide an in-depth comparison of top payroll services for small businesses.
Why Payroll Services are Crucial for Small Businesses
Managing payroll manually can be tedious and error-prone. However, using payroll services brings a range of benefits to small businesses. From ensuring tax compliance to enhancing efficiency, here are some reasons why you should consider outsourcing payroll for your SMB:
- Time-Saving: Handling payroll in-house requires significant time for data entry, tax calculations, and report generation. Payroll services automate these tasks, saving your team valuable time that could be used for other business activities.
- Accuracy and Compliance: Payroll mistakes can be costly. Incorrect calculations of taxes, benefits, or paychecks can lead to penalties and unhappy employees. Payroll services ensure accuracy and compliance, reducing the risk of errors.
- Employee Satisfaction: Employees rely on accurate and timely payments. Payroll services can ensure that wages are paid on time, and deductions for taxes or benefits are correctly applied.
- Reduced Administrative Burden: For small business owners, managing payroll often requires dealing with tax filings, employee benefits, and wage reporting. A professional service helps offload this burden.
By leveraging payroll services, small businesses can focus more on growth while leaving the complexities of payroll to the experts.
Key Benefits of Using Payroll Services for Small Businesses
The advantages of payroll services go far beyond saving time. Here are the top benefits SMBs gain by opting for professional payroll services:
1. Time Efficiency: Spend More Time Growing Your Business
As a small business owner, every minute counts. Payroll services automate the process of calculating wages, taxes, benefits, and other deductions. This automation frees up hours each week for you and your team, allowing you to focus on important areas like customer service, product development, and marketing.
2. Reduced Risk of Errors: Accuracy at Every Step
Manual payroll processing leaves room for human error. A simple mistake in tax calculations or data entry can result in costly penalties or even legal issues. Payroll services use advanced software to ensure that every paycheck is accurate and that your taxes are filed on time, reducing the risk of errors.
3. Tax Compliance: Avoid Penalties and Audits
The world of payroll taxes can be complex and ever-changing. Failing to meet tax obligations can lead to serious consequences, including fines, penalties, and an increased likelihood of audits. Payroll services ensure that your business complies with the latest tax laws and that all necessary forms are submitted to the IRS on time.
4. Scalability: Grow Your Team Without Worry
As your business grows, your payroll needs will also expand. Whether you’re adding more employees or opening a new location, payroll services can easily scale to meet your evolving needs. You won’t need to worry about managing complex payroll tasks as you grow.
5. Employee Self-Service
Many payroll services come with self-service portals that allow employees to access their pay stubs, tax forms, and personal information. This reduces the administrative burden on your HR team and increases employee satisfaction by giving them control over their own data.
Real-World Examples of Payroll Services for Small Businesses
Let’s dive into real-world payroll solutions that can benefit your SMB. Here are some of the top payroll services available today:
1. Gusto – Streamlined Payroll Solution for Small Businesses
Gusto is a leading payroll service known for its easy-to-use interface and comprehensive features. With Gusto, businesses can manage payroll, taxes, benefits, and even compliance with just a few clicks.
- Key Features:
- Automatic payroll tax filing and compliance.
- Employee self-service portals.
- Benefits management (health insurance, retirement, etc.).
- Pros:
- Excellent customer support.
- User-friendly interface.
- Affordable pricing.
- Cons:
- Limited to U.S.-based businesses.
- Some features are only available on higher-tier plans.
- Pricing: Starts at $39/month + $6 per employee.
2. QuickBooks Payroll – Integration with Accounting Software
QuickBooks Payroll is perfect for small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting software. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks, ensuring that your financial and payroll records are always synchronized.
- Key Features:
- Direct deposit and automatic payroll tax calculations.
- Employee benefits management.
- Support for multi-state payroll.
- Pros:
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Advanced reporting features.
- Cons:
- More expensive than other options.
- Limited customer support options.
- Pricing: Starts at $22.50/month + $4 per employee.
3. Paychex Flex – Comprehensive Payroll and HR Management
Paychex Flex offers more than just payroll—it provides a complete HR solution for small businesses. From time tracking to employee benefits, Paychex Flex is a robust solution for businesses that need more than just payroll processing.
- Key Features:
- Time and attendance tracking.
- Employee benefits and HR management.
- 24/7 customer support.
- Pros:
- Comprehensive HR and payroll services.
- Easy employee onboarding.
- Excellent customer support.
- Cons:
- Can be more expensive for small businesses.
- Interface is less intuitive compared to other options.
- Pricing: Pricing available upon request.
4. Square Payroll – Best for Retailers and Restaurants
Square Payroll is an ideal payroll service for businesses in the retail and restaurant industries. It integrates with Square POS and offers simple payroll solutions for hourly and salaried employees.
- Key Features:
- Integration with Square POS.
- Automatic tax filings and compliance.
- Benefits management.
- Pros:
- Seamless integration with Square POS.
- Easy-to-use mobile app.
- Affordable pricing.
- Cons:
- Limited support for non-Square users.
- Basic HR features.
- Pricing: Starts at $35/month + $5 per employee.
5. Zenefits – Simplifying HR and Payroll Management
Zenefits is another comprehensive HR solution that integrates payroll services with benefits management, compliance, and time tracking.
- Key Features:
- HR and payroll integration.
- Automatic tax calculations and filings.
- Employee self-service portal.
- Pros:
- Easy-to-use platform for both payroll and HR.
- Scalable as your business grows.
- Great for remote teams.
- Cons:
- More expensive than other solutions.
- Customer support can be slow at times.
- Pricing: Starts at $8 per employee per month.
Comparison Table: Top Payroll Services for Small Businesses
Product Name | Use Case | Pros | Cons | Price | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gusto | Small businesses, startups | User-friendly, excellent support, scalable plans | Limited to U.S., some features are expensive | From $39/month + $6/employee | Tax filing, benefits, self-service portal |
QuickBooks Payroll | Businesses using QuickBooks | Integration with QuickBooks, excellent reporting | Expensive, limited customer support | From $22.50/month + $4/employee | Direct deposit, multi-state payroll |
Paychex Flex | SMBs needing HR + Payroll | Comprehensive HR features, great support | Expensive for small businesses, interface issues | Pricing upon request | Time tracking, HR management |
Square Payroll | Retailers, restaurants | Simple for Square POS users, affordable | Limited for non-Square users | From $35/month + $5/employee | Square POS integration, mobile app |
Zenefits | SMBs needing HR and payroll | Integrated HR & payroll, scalable | Expensive, slow support | From $8/employee/month | Employee portal, compliance tracking |
Where to Buy and How Much Payroll Services Cost
Most payroll services can be purchased directly through their websites. Pricing varies depending on the service you select and the size of your business.
Where to Buy:
- Visit the official website of your chosen payroll service (e.g., Gusto, Paychex, QuickBooks).
- Set up an account, choose your plan, and start using the service immediately.
How to Buy:
- After selecting a service, you can choose between monthly plans based on the number of employees.
- Some services offer a free trial period, allowing you to test the platform before committing.
Take Your Business to the Next Level with Payroll Services
In today’s fast-paced business environment, outsourcing payroll is not just a convenience—it’s a smart decision for small businesses looking to save time, reduce administrative burden, and ensure compliance with complex tax laws. Whether you’re a solopreneur, a startup, or a small business with a growing team, the right payroll service can help streamline operations and improve accuracy.
We’ve explored some of the top payroll services for small businesses, each offering unique features tailored to different needs. Whether you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly option or a comprehensive HR solution, there’s a payroll service that will fit your business.
Don’t let payroll headaches slow you down—choose a payroll service today and focus on what matters most: growing your business.
How to Get Started
If you’re ready to take the leap and simplify your payroll process, consider starting with one of the services mentioned above. Here’s how you can get started:
- Visit the website of the payroll service you’re interested in (e.g., Gusto, Paychex, QuickBooks).
- Sign up for a free trial or select a plan that works for your business size.
- Integrate the service with your accounting or HR tools, if applicable.
- Start running payroll and enjoy the peace of mind knowing your taxes, deductions, and employee payments are handled.
Start your journey to stress-free payroll today!
Where to Buy Payroll Services for Small Business
Once you’ve reviewed your options and selected the best payroll service for your business, the next step is purchasing and setting it up. Here are the steps to follow:
- Choose Your Payroll Service: Based on the features, pricing, and the unique needs of your business (e.g., employees, state-specific taxes, additional features like time tracking or HR management), select a payroll service provider.
- Create an Account: For most services, creating an account is quick and easy. All you need is some basic business information, including your tax ID, business structure, and employee details.
- Set Up Payroll: Most payroll services provide user-friendly onboarding processes. They will guide you through adding employees, setting pay schedules, and choosing benefits options. If you have accounting software, you can often link your payroll service for seamless integration.
- Start Processing Payroll: Once everything is set up, you can start running payroll. Most payroll services will give you options to either schedule payroll in advance or run it manually as needed.
- Pay Your Employees and File Taxes: With the payroll service in place, your employees will receive accurate and timely payments, and taxes will be automatically filed on your behalf. The service will also generate reports and forms for your records.
Important Note: Most payroll services offer a free trial or money-back guarantee to help you assess whether they meet your needs. Take advantage of these offers to ensure you’re making the best decision for your business.
Tips for Choosing the Right Payroll Service
While it’s clear that payroll services can provide immense benefits, choosing the right one for your business is crucial. Here are some tips for making an informed decision:
- Consider Your Business’s Size and Growth: If you’re a small business with a handful of employees, you might not need a feature-packed payroll service. However, if you plan on scaling up soon, it’s best to choose a service that grows with you.
- Look for Integration with Accounting Software: If you already use accounting software like QuickBooks, choosing a payroll service that integrates seamlessly with it can save you time and reduce the likelihood of errors in financial reporting.
- Evaluate Customer Support Options: Responsive and knowledgeable customer support is essential, especially when dealing with payroll errors or tax filing issues. Choose a service that offers great customer support, including live chat, phone support, and detailed help resources.
- Examine the Pricing Structure: Pay attention to the pricing model. Some payroll services charge per employee, while others have flat monthly fees. Ensure that the pricing is scalable and fits your business needs, now and in the future.
- Check for Compliance Features: Payroll services that automatically calculate and file taxes help reduce the risk of costly compliance issues. Ensure that the service you choose stays updated with the latest tax laws, especially if you operate in multiple states or countries.
Embrace Simplicity and Accuracy with Payroll Services
Running a small business is no small feat, and managing payroll manually can be time-consuming and error-prone. By using a reliable payroll service, small business owners can streamline their payroll processes, reduce the likelihood of errors, stay compliant with tax laws, and most importantly, focus on growing their business.
Whether you’re just starting out or are ready to scale, the payroll services outlined in this article offer comprehensive, efficient solutions tailored for small businesses. From Gusto’s user-friendly interface to Paychex Flex’s HR management tools, there’s a solution to fit every need.
By choosing the right payroll service, you can save time, reduce risks, and enhance employee satisfaction—all while ensuring that your business stays compliant and on track for growth.
Take control of your payroll today, and give your small business the support it needs to succeed.
Maximizing the Value of Payroll Services for Your Business
By now, it’s clear that payroll services can significantly streamline your business operations. However, the real value comes when you fully optimize the service for your specific business needs. Let’s take a deeper dive into how small business owners can maximize the use of payroll services to save time, reduce errors, and boost employee satisfaction.
Integrating Payroll with HR and Benefits Management
Many of the leading payroll services offer more than just payroll processing. For instance, platforms like Gusto and Zenefits provide full HR solutions, including benefits management, employee onboarding, and compliance tracking. By consolidating these services, you not only save time but also ensure a more cohesive workflow across departments.
If you use a payroll service like Paychex Flex, you’ll find that it’s an all-in-one HR solution. You can handle everything from employee time tracking to retirement plan management. This integration helps small businesses avoid mistakes and miscommunication between different departments, ensuring that your employees are paid correctly and receive the right benefits on time.
Leverage Data Analytics for Better Decision-Making
Advanced payroll services also provide access to powerful data analytics. With tools like QuickBooks Payroll, you can generate detailed reports about payroll costs, employee hours, tax obligations, and more. These insights can help you:
- Forecast business growth by analyzing payroll trends.
- Optimize labor costs by reviewing overtime, time off, and other expenses.
- Ensure compliance by tracking tax deadlines and filings.
These features give you more control over your business finances, allowing for better decision-making and ensuring you’re prepared for any unexpected changes in payroll or tax regulations.
How Payroll Services Contribute to Employee Satisfaction
Keeping employees happy is crucial for the success of any business, especially for small businesses trying to retain top talent. Payroll services not only ensure accurate payments but also contribute to a positive employee experience in several ways:
- Timely Payments: Employees expect to be paid on time, and a payroll service eliminates any risk of late payments due to human error or forgetfulness. A timely and accurate paycheck fosters trust between the employer and employee.
- Self-Service Portals: Many payroll services, including Gusto and Zenefits, provide employees with easy access to their pay stubs, benefits information, and tax forms through a self-service portal. This empowerment boosts employee satisfaction and reduces the administrative burden on HR.
- Automated Benefits Enrollment: When benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off are automatically managed through the payroll service, employees feel valued and supported. This not only improves retention but also enhances the company’s appeal to potential hires.
- Tax Filing Made Easy: Employees are often confused by tax withholdings and deductions. Payroll services automatically calculate and file taxes, making it easy for employees to trust the process and feel confident that their tax matters are handled.
Real-World Case Study: Payroll Services in Action
Let’s take a closer look at a real-world example of how payroll services for small business work effectively. Meet Sarah, the owner of a small digital marketing agency with 10 employees. Before implementing a payroll service, Sarah spent hours each week managing employee paychecks, filing taxes, and dealing with compliance issues.
Before Payroll Services:
- Sarah spent over 5 hours a week manually calculating employee wages and deductions.
- Tax filings were consistently late, risking penalties and interest.
- Employees often had questions about their pay and deductions, creating frustration.
After Using Payroll Services:
- Sarah switched to Gusto and integrated it with her accounting software, QuickBooks.
- Payroll is now automated, and taxes are filed on time.
- Employees can view their pay stubs, tax information, and benefits through a self-service portal.
- Sarah spends only 1 hour per week on payroll management, freeing up her time to focus on growing the business.
As a result, Sarah’s business is more efficient, compliant, and employee satisfaction has increased due to the ease and transparency of the payroll system.
As you can see, payroll services can significantly improve the way you manage your business. Whether you’re handling tax filings, running payroll, or managing employee benefits, a good payroll system can reduce your administrative burden, save you time, and ensure that you’re compliant with laws and regulations.
By choosing the right payroll service, you not only protect your business from penalties but also enhance employee satisfaction and optimize your financial reporting. Plus, with the integration of HR solutions and advanced analytics, payroll services can help you grow your business and make better decisions.
Advanced Features of Payroll Services: What to Look For
When selecting a payroll service for your small business, it’s important to consider features that go beyond basic payroll processing. To help you maximize the benefits, here are some advanced features that many payroll services offer, and why they matter:
1. Automated Tax Filing and Reporting
One of the biggest headaches for small businesses is ensuring tax compliance. Payroll services that offer automated tax filing and reporting can take the guesswork out of tax season. The service will not only calculate the proper withholding amounts but will also automatically file tax returns with federal, state, and local tax agencies. This reduces the risk of errors and ensures that you’re always in compliance.
- Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll are known for offering automated tax filing, saving you valuable time and reducing the risk of tax penalties.
2. Employee Self-Service Portals
Empowering employees to manage their own payroll information can save HR teams a lot of time. Many payroll services offer self-service portals that allow employees to view their pay stubs, download tax forms (like W-2s), and even update personal information such as addresses or direct deposit preferences.
- Zenefits and Paychex Flex offer robust self-service options, improving employee satisfaction while reducing the administrative load on your HR department.
3. Time and Attendance Tracking
Some payroll providers include time tracking features, allowing employees to clock in and out, track hours worked, and request time off. This feature can be especially helpful if you have hourly employees, ensuring accurate payroll calculations and preventing time theft.
- Square Payroll is popular among small retail and restaurant businesses because it integrates time tracking directly into its payroll system.
4. Benefits Administration
Administering employee benefits can be time-consuming, but many payroll services offer integrated benefits management. This includes managing healthcare plans, retirement contributions, and even employee wellness programs. It ensures that employees get the right benefits and makes it easier for you to stay compliant with benefits laws.
- Gusto offers a comprehensive benefits package that can be tailored to the needs of your business.
5. Customizable Reporting
Having access to detailed financial and payroll reports can provide valuable insights into your business’s overall health. Customizable reporting lets you track wages, taxes, deductions, and benefits to ensure everything is running smoothly. Additionally, these reports can be used for budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
- QuickBooks Payroll excels at generating customizable financial reports, integrating well with QuickBooks accounting software.
What Payroll Service is Best for Your Business?
Now that we’ve covered the features of various payroll services, it’s important to determine which one is the best fit for your unique business needs. To help you decide, let’s look at a few use cases:
Tech-Savvy Entrepreneurs and Startups
- Best Option: Gusto
- Why: Gusto is a fantastic choice for small businesses that want an easy-to-use, tech-driven platform. Its user-friendly interface and robust features, including tax filing, benefits management, and employee self-service, make it a popular choice for entrepreneurs.
Businesses Looking for Integrated HR and Payroll
- Best Option: Zenefits
- Why: If you need more than just payroll—such as benefits management and HR solutions—Zenefits is an excellent choice. This service integrates payroll with a full suite of HR tools, allowing you to handle everything from hiring to benefits.
Growing Businesses That Need Scalability
- Best Option: Paychex Flex
- Why: Paychex Flex is a great choice for businesses with plans to scale. It offers robust payroll and HR management solutions, with flexibility for businesses that need advanced reporting, compliance tracking, and integration with accounting software.
Small Retail or Service Businesses
- Best Option: Square Payroll
- Why: Square Payroll is perfect for small businesses in retail or service industries due to its seamless integration with Square POS (Point of Sale) systems. It allows for easy payroll processing along with integrated time tracking, making it simple to pay hourly workers.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Payroll Service
After choosing a payroll service, it’s essential to take full advantage of the features they offer. Here’s how you can maximize the value:
- Educate Your Team: Make sure your team is aware of how the payroll service works and how they can access their information. Providing training for employees on how to use the self-service portal will improve efficiency and reduce inquiries to HR.
- Use Integrated Features: Integrate the payroll system with your other business tools like accounting software, HR systems, and time-tracking apps. This will streamline data entry and ensure all your systems are aligned.
- Stay Up-to-Date with New Features: Many payroll services regularly release new features and updates. Keep an eye out for these and take advantage of any enhancements that can benefit your business, such as new reporting options or benefits plans.
- Review Reports Regularly: Regularly check payroll reports to ensure accuracy and stay on top of your business’s financial health. This can help you spot any discrepancies before they become bigger issues.
Start Optimizing Your Payroll Process Today
Small business owners often face a tough balancing act between running their company and managing payroll. But by choosing the right payroll service, you can simplify the process, save time, and focus on what matters most—growing your business.
With services like Gusto, Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll, and Zenefits, you can rest assured that your employees will be paid on time, taxes will be filed accurately, and your business will stay compliant. By automating and streamlining payroll tasks, you’ll save valuable time and reduce the administrative burden on your team.
Payroll services minimize human errors by automating complex tasks such as calculating employee wages, deductions, and tax withholdings. By using pre-programmed tax rates and compliance rules, these services ensure accuracy in payroll processing. Additionally, automated reminders for tax deadlines and benefits enrollment help prevent missed payments or penalties. Services like Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll offer built-in checks to ensure compliance with tax laws, thus reducing the risk of costly errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is payroll service, and how does it work?
Answer: Payroll services are third-party solutions that help businesses manage and process their employees’ wages, tax withholdings, benefits, and compliance with government regulations. These services calculate the amount of pay each employee is owed, deduct necessary taxes and benefits, and ensure timely distribution of payments. Additionally, they handle tax filing and reporting, saving business owners time and reducing the risk of errors.
2. Do small businesses really need payroll services?
Answer: Yes, payroll services can be incredibly beneficial for small businesses. As a business grows, managing payroll becomes more complex. Payroll services save you time, reduce the likelihood of errors, and ensure compliance with tax regulations. They also make it easier to manage employee benefits, track hours worked, and generate reports, freeing you up to focus on growing your business.
3. What payroll services are best for small businesses?
Answer: Some of the best payroll services for small businesses include:
- Gusto: Ideal for small businesses seeking an easy-to-use platform with features like tax filing, benefits administration, and employee self-service.
- QuickBooks Payroll: Great for businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting and looking for seamless integration.
- Paychex Flex: Offers comprehensive payroll and HR services with flexibility, making it a great choice for growing businesses.
- Zenefits: Best for businesses that need HR solutions in addition to payroll services, such as benefits management.
- Square Payroll: Perfect for small retail and service businesses, with seamless integration into Square’s POS system.
4. How much does payroll service cost for small businesses?
Answer: The cost of payroll services varies depending on the provider and the features you need. Generally, payroll services offer pricing tiers based on the number of employees and the complexity of services:
- Gusto: Starts around $40 per month + $6 per employee.
- QuickBooks Payroll: Starts around $45 per month + $4 per employee.
- Paychex Flex: Pricing varies based on business needs, but it generally starts around $60 per month.
- Zenefits: Starts at $10 per month for basic HR tools, with payroll services available at an additional cost.
- Square Payroll: Costs $35 per month + $5 per employee.
5. How do payroll services help with tax filings?
Answer: Payroll services automatically calculate the correct tax withholdings for federal, state, and local taxes based on employee wages and deductions. They handle all aspects of tax filing, including submitting quarterly and annual tax returns and ensuring timely tax payments. Some payroll services, like Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll, also offer tax guarantee services, which means they will cover any penalties if they make a mistake in tax filings.
6. How can payroll services help reduce errors in payroll processing?
Answer: Payroll services minimize human errors by automating complex tasks such as calculating employee wages, deductions, and tax withholdings. By using pre-programmed tax rates and compliance rules, these services ensure accuracy in payroll processing. Additionally, automated reminders for tax deadlines and benefits enrollment help prevent missed payments or penalties. Services like Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll offer built-in checks to ensure compliance with tax laws, thus reducing the risk of costly errors.
7. Can payroll services handle payroll for hourly employees?
Answer: Yes, payroll services are designed to handle both salaried and hourly employees. They allow you to track hours worked, overtime, paid time off (PTO), and sick leave. For example, Square Payroll integrates with time-tracking systems and can automatically calculate wages based on hours worked, while Paychex Flex offers flexible time-tracking tools for businesses of any size. These features ensure that hourly employees are paid accurately and on time.
8. Are payroll services secure?
Answer: Yes, payroll services are highly secure. Reputable providers use encryption technology to protect sensitive employee data and payroll information. These services are often compliant with data protection regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). They also implement regular audits and cybersecurity measures to prevent data breaches. It’s important to select a payroll provider with strong security features, such as Paychex Flex and Gusto, which prioritize the security of your payroll data.
9. Can payroll services help with employee benefits?
Answer: Absolutely! Many payroll services offer integrated benefits administration, which allows you to manage employee benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off through the same platform you use for payroll. For example, Zenefits offers a full suite of HR tools, including benefits management, and integrates seamlessly with payroll processing. Services like Gusto also allow you to automate benefit deductions and contributions, simplifying the process for both employers and employees.
10. Can I run payroll services if my business has multiple locations or employees in different states?
Answer: Yes, most payroll services can handle multi-location businesses or businesses with employees in different states. They are designed to account for varying state tax rates, regulations, and local compliance laws. Providers like Paychex Flex and Gusto have features that automatically calculate the right tax rates based on the location of your employees, ensuring that you comply with state and local regulations. This feature is particularly useful if your business is growing and expanding to new locations.