Could you break down the answer to this question step by step?

Yes, affiliate programs can help your small business grow by expanding your reach, increasing brand awareness, and driving more sales—without upfront marketing costs. By partnering with affiliates who promote your products or services, you can tap into new audiences and only pay a commission when a sale is made. This performance-based model is especially useful for small businesses with limited budgets, as it reduces financial risk while still scaling marketing efforts. Choosing the right affiliates and tracking performance carefully are key to long-term success.