While starting and running a small business may be one of the hardest things to do, it is also, without a doubt, one of the most rewarding. Chances are, you went at it on your own, and you’re riding the wave to see how much longer you can hold out until you start building a team.

Before you do that, here’s your reminder that the Internet is a wonderful place with many tools to help you on your way. Below we share some of the best tech tools for small businesses.

Calendarly

This is one of those tools you never knew you needed until you started using it, and it became indispensable. Calendarly is a scheduling automation platform that takes all the back-and-forth out of scheduling. Think about how many emails it takes to reach a time that suits both parties.

With Calendarly, you simply share a link to your calendar with your invitee, and they select an available slot that works for them. And just like that, both parties will get a mail calendar invite. Now all you have to do is show up.

Canva

This design tool has changed the game for small businesses, making graphic design simpler and more accessible to all. It comes with a wide range of professional, beautiful templates for any marketing communication need. Think social media posts, presentations, labelling, banners, and more. The list is endless. You need this tech tool in your SME arsenal. The best part is that it’s free, with premium options available at prices that are realistic for small businesses.

Wave

Starting your own thing is all fun and games until you have to deal with the numbers. Wave is a free accounting software tool that allows you to manage all your business’s financial aspects in one place, from invoicing, to monitoring income and expenses, to payroll and payments. If you’re feeling some trepidation about leaving all your money business in the hands of technology, Wave does offer a team of bookkeeping, accounting, and payroll experts on stand-by to help you along the way.

Trello

Trello is a super simple project management tool that enhances collaboration, allows you to keep track of tasks, and even automates tedious tasks. Essentially a list-making platform, it uses boards to help you organise your projects,tasks and team workflows. Say goodbye to sticky notes, and embrace Trello along with the rest of your team.

Teams

Love it or hate it, your business needs one place where there is open communication. Email is great for detailed projects or briefs, and we strongly caution against relying on personal platforms like Whatsapp, for example, to discuss work-related tasks. Teams seems to be the happy medium between the two, and it’s a great way to have instant comms exclusively dedicated to work.

We’re here to support you on your entrepreneurship journey all the way. Continue to keep an eye on our blog for more tips and tricks to help you along the way. We’re in this with you.