5 ways managing a business is like being a Pokémon trainer

“I wanna be the very best. Like no one ever was.” If you’re a Millennial, those lyrics probably stir some nostalgic memories of exploring Kanto on your old GameBoy or watching cartoons on Saturday mornings.

Yet, the world of Pokémon is also relevant to business (not only because it’s the most profitable media franchise of all-time with estimates suggesting it has earned more than £110 Billion in revenue since 1996).

Starting out on your journey, building a team, developing their skills, and taking on new challenges — a wide-eyed 10-year-old Pokémon trainer or an entrepreneur founding a business?

If you know your Charmanders from your Chikoritas, then you’ll know that good teams are built with planning, patience, and the willingness to adapt when things don't go to plan. Sound familiar?

Running a business isn't quite the same as travelling the world with a backpack full of Poké Balls, yet there are plenty of lessons SME owners can take from one of gaming's most enduring franchises.

Here are five ways managing your business is a lot like the journey from trainer to Pokémon Champion.

1.      You can't win with just one over-levelled Pokémon — smart businesses spread the weight and the risks

Many players have been guilty of it. You find a favourite Pokémon, pour all your experience into it, and hope it can carry you through the entire game.

No matter how much you want to solo the Elite Four with your juiced-up Magikarp, you’re more likely to flop around than make a decisive splash.

You’ll likely come up against an opponent that exposes your weaknesses, and suddenly you’re left scrambling to stay in the fight.

Businesses can fall into the same trap.

Perhaps one client generates most of your revenue. Maybe one employee holds all the specialist knowledge. Or perhaps one product accounts for the vast majority of your sales.

When too much depends on a single strength, your business becomes vulnerable if circumstances change.

Healthy businesses spread risk. That could mean diversifying your customer base, developing new income streams, documenting key processes, or investing in your team so knowledge is shared rather than concentrated.

The goal isn't to abandon what's working. It's to make sure your business can still thrive if one piece of the puzzle changes.

2.      Even the best trainers carry healing items — make sure your business is prepared for unexpected outcomes

Every experienced Pokémon trainer leaves town prepared. Potions, Revives, and status heals might sit untouched for several routes, but when things go wrong, you're very glad you packed them.

Business reserves work in much the same way.

Unexpected equipment failures, delayed customer payments, seasonal slowdowns, or rising supplier costs have a habit of appearing without warning. Having an emergency budget set aside gives you breathing room to deal with these situations without making rushed decisions.

Building a reserve isn't always easy, particularly for growing businesses where every pound feels like it has a purpose. However, even small, consistent contributions can gradually create a financial safety net.

Think of it less as money that's sitting idle and more as resilience that's waiting patiently until you need it.

Read more: How to Build a Cash Buffer to Prepare for Unexpected Expenses

3.      A balanced team beats six of the same type — build a strong all-round business rather than overly fixating on one area or problem

You wouldn't build a Pokémon team made up entirely of Fire-types. Why?

Because every type has strengths and weaknesses. Water beats Fire, Ground shrugs off Electric, and Psychic won't get you very far against a Dark-type opponent.

The best trainers understand that success comes from balance. They know when to switch Pokémon, when to change tactics and when to rely on a different strength.

Your business finances work in much the same way.

Relying too heavily on one source of income, one customer, or one way of funding your business can leave you exposed when circumstances change. Likewise, spending every penny of available cash on growth might leave you vulnerable if an unexpected cost appears around the corner.

Strong businesses aim for balance.

They maintain healthy cash flow, keep some money in reserve for the unexpected, and make informed decisions about when to invest and when to hold back.

Just as a well-balanced Pokémon team can adapt to almost any challenge, a well-balanced business is far better equipped to weather setbacks while still being ready to seize new opportunities.

4.      Training before the Gym Battle beats panicking halfway through — plan and prepare for your business’ future

In Pokémon, only rookie players stroll into a Gym hoping things will somehow work out.

Instead, you train. You prepare. You stock up on supplies. You understand what you're walking into.

Business growth deserves the same mindset.

Many SME owners wait until cash becomes tight before exploring finance. By that point, options may feel more limited and decisions often become more stressful.

Looking at funding earlier gives you time to understand what's available, compare options, and borrow for opportunities rather than emergencies.

Finance can help you:

• Purchase equipment

• Hire staff

• Increase stock

• Invest in marketing

• Improve your premises.

Used thoughtfully, borrowing isn't simply about plugging gaps. It's about giving your business the resources it needs to move forward.

Like preparing for a difficult Gym Leader, good planning usually leads to better outcomes than scrambling at the last minute.

5.      Becoming Champion takes persistence, not perfection

No Pokémon player catches every Pokémon perfectly on the first throw.

Everyone loses battles. Everyone chooses the wrong move occasionally. Everyone accidentally wanders into a Zubat-filled cave without enough Repels.

Progress comes from learning, adapting, and trying again.

Business ownership is no different.

There will be difficult months, unexpected setbacks, and plans that don't unfold exactly as you imagined. Those experiences don't define your business. How you respond to them does.

The businesses that endure are rarely the ones that never encounter challenges. They're the ones that keep learning, continue improving, and aren't afraid to ask for support when they need it.

Whether that's seeking advice from mentors, refining your strategy, or accessing finance to unlock your next stage of growth, every step builds towards something bigger.

After all, Ash Ketchum didn’t complete that 20+ year journey to becoming a Pokémon Champion without the help of Pikachu, Professor Oak, and all the friends he made along the way. Support, learning, and taking steps to grow matter as much to a trainer as they do to a business leader.

Ready to evolve your business? We’re here to help

Every successful business journey looks different, but careful planning, healthy cash flow, and access to the right funding can make a real difference when opportunities — or unexpected challenges — appear.

If you're thinking about investing in your business, preparing for future growth, or simply want to explore your funding options, our team is here to help.

We'll take the time to understand your business, answer your questions, and help you find a solution that's right for you.

Get in touch with our team today to start a conversation about where your business could go next by completing the form below or by calling 0345 602 7355.

If you’re looking for your own Brock or a Misty to lend a hand and help you on your journey, well, we’re ready for the adventure to begin.

Please note:

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future. Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article.

We always recommend that you seek direct financial advice from a relevant expert or professional before making any financial decisions.

First Enterprise is a not-for-profit, FCA-regulated finance provider offering unsecured loans from £500 to £250,000 for start-ups and growing businesses across the UK.

We support businesses that struggle to access mainstream finance, with a focus on underrepresented groups. Funding is delivered through government-backed national and regional programmes. 

We offer human-made lending decisions, a dedicated advisor for every applicant, and no penalties for early repayment.