According to the BCG matrix, which businesses have a small share of a fast-growing market?

The BCG matrix categorizes a business's market position based on its relative market share and the growth rate of the industry. In this framework, "Question marks" represent businesses that hold a small share in a fast-growing market. This positioning indicates that these businesses have the potential to become more successful, but they also require significant investment to increase their market share.

The essence of being a Question mark lies in the opportunity for growth: since the market is expanding, there is room for these businesses to gain greater share. However, their current limited share suggests that they have not yet established a strong foothold, making strategic decisions about resource allocation and investment crucial for their development.

The other categories within the BCG matrix have distinct characteristics. Cash cows refer to businesses with a large market share in a slow-growing market, suggesting stability without the need for new investments. Stars are those with a large market share in a fast-growing market, indicating that they are already well-positioned for success. Lastly, dogs symbolize businesses with a small market share in a slow-growing market, which typically do not hold strong prospects for growth or profitability. Thus, the definition of Question marks aligns precisely with the scenario of a small share in a fast-growing market.