According to the dictionary, a microenterprise is a business operating on a small scale, especially one with a sole proprietor and fewer than ten employees. These businesses usually lack the funds and resources to scale and grow. In this article, you will find a list of resources to help you operate and scale your small business without breaking the bank.
Canva (www.canva.com)
One of my favorite resources to use. You do not have to pay thousands of dollars to get a professional look for your marketing collateral, social media posts and other design needs. Even if you have no design skills, Canva has thousands of free and low-cost templates you can choose from to meet your needs.
HubSpot (www.hubspot.com)
HubSpot’s mission is to help businesses grow better. And they are true to their mission by offering free access to hundreds of marketing and sales templates you can download to use. In addition to the templates, they have Freemium level access to its software solutions for managing your website content, sales management, marketing automation and customer service.
Constant Content (www.constant-content.com)
Content is king and having access to thousands of writers to develop affordable high-quality content for your website, social posts and blogs will help you attract visitors to your website and social pages.
Pexels (www.pexels.com)
Hiring a photographer to take photos may not be in your budget. You can find royalty free videos and stock photos to use at Pexels for your blog, flyers, and social posts at no cost.
AppSumo (www.appsumo.com)
AppSumo is a marketplace of software you can purchase to grow your business. Whether you need accounting tools, HR tools or client management, AppSumo has the apps for you.
Constant Contact (www.constantcontact.com )
If you are not using email marketing in your business, what are you waiting for? Before there was social media, there was email marketing. It is the top digital marketing tool that generates the best ROI.
Promo Republic (www.promorepublic.com)
Can’t come up with ideas to post on social media? Promo Republic has over 100,000 posting ideas to choose from. Use the platform to create, schedule and post content in minutes.
Wave Accounting (www.mywaveapps.com)
While this does not take the place of having a professional manage your company financials, it is an easy-to-use bookkeeping and accounting software that allows you to track income, expenses, create invoices and file your tax returns.
SCORE (www.score.org)
A network of volunteer business owners or retired corporate executives who lend their expertise to small business owners all over the country. Gain access to a library of resources and mentors to help you in whatever stage of business you are in.
GURU (www.guru.com)
One of the best places to find freelancers when you have a big project and need to build your team. For small projects to large, you can find a freelancer with a variety of skills so you can get the job done.
A microbusiness can still operate like a BIG business with the right tools and resources. I hope this list of resources will help you save time and money while you grow your business.
Tarsha (Polk) Hearns is an experienced professional with over 20 years of combined marketing, sales, corporate training, and entrepreneurial expertise. Her new book, Making an Impact: How to Build a Powerful Personal Brand helps solopreneurs define, launch, and promote their brands. She is an advocate for women and minority business owners and serves as the director of the women’s business center in Dallas.