CAIE A-Level Business 1.3.2 Significance of small businesses

CAIE A-Level Business 1.3.2 Significance of small businesses
Cambridge International AS & A Level Business 9609 syllabus for exams in 2026, 2027 and 20282026–2028

Practise analysing small and family businesses, including advantages, weaknesses and why some owners choose to remain small.

How this is tested

  • analyse one advantage and one disadvantage of small size using case-study impacts
  • evaluate why remaining small may matter for an owner's objectives and independence

Question 2(c)

[Maximum number: 8]

Natalia's Naturals (NN)

NN is a small business owned by Natalia. NN produces and sells a range of natural skincare products.

In 2020, Natalia started making her own skincare products at home using natural ingredients. She realised that there was a demand for her products among her friends and family. Natalia then decided to turn her hobby into a business and launched NN in 2021.

Natalia operates her business from a rented workshop with limited space, where she makes her products by hand. She buys her ingredients from local suppliers who share her values of environmentally friendly production.

NN has been growing steadily and has gained a loyal customer base. NN has received positive reviews from beauty magazines. Natalia's skincare products are sold through her own website, social media platforms and local retailers who specialise in selling natural products.

Natalia is developing a new face cream. Table 2.1 shows price and cost estimates for the new face cream.

Table 2.1 Price and cost estimates

Table 2.1 Price and cost estimates

The skincare market is very competitive. There are many established brands that offer similar products to NN, but with wider distribution channels.

Natalia needs to balance her time between production, managing orders, delivery, marketing and other administrative tasks. She works long hours and is stressed and exhausted.

Natalia is considering outsourcing to increase NN's production capacity.

Analyse one advantage and one disadvantage to NN of being a small business.