Integral to the development of strategy is a consideration of both the present and future as operating contexts. This notion, of a temporal aspect to strategy development in small enterprises, is explored through the identification of the perceptions of key success factors by owner-managers in two countries, Australia and the United Kingdom. An analysis of these factors identifies generic success strategies in both time periods and locations that are contextually sensitive. In conclusion, a general framework for developing success strategies in small enterprises is developed and its implications explored.