Useful Business Apps for Small Business Owners

by Monica Peña | Aug 25, 2022 | Uncategorized

By Alison Flangel

As a small business owner, apps are a great resource to manage various aspects of your business while saving precious time and energy. With thousands of apps available at our fingertips, it can be hard to determine which
are actually helpful. Below are some apps to consider using if you own a small business.

1. Microsoft 365
   Microsoft 365 is one of the best, if not the best, office software app out there. Previously only available as a software program on a PC computer, Microsoft has rebranded to make this application now available for Android and iOS mobile devices. Within the Microsoft 365 app are 3 essential office software programs that you can use: Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Word can be used to create written documents of all sorts, which will likely be used daily within your business. Excel and Powerpoint are slightly more niche, although also extremely useful. Excel can help the organization of your business by creating spreadsheets, and Powerpoint can assist you in the making of presentations. Microsoft 365 is a must for small business owners, as it is universally used by the majority of the world.
2. Quickbooks Online
   Quickbooks online is one of the most powerful business tools available in the new age of technology. Whether you are looking to convert tax accounting to payroll, organize inventory management, or analyze profit, quickbooks can do it all (depending on the version that you pay for!). Quickbooks has various versions and price points that cater to small businesses needs. Now available as a mobile accounting app, you can create invoices, track and manage
   expenses, and more on your mobile phone.
3. SOS Inventory
   SOS Inventory is an app that helps you manage everything manufacturing; inventory tracking, order management, and more. With this app, you can manage all of your inventory from multiple business locations, track your items, and create tickets and packing slips. The mobile app is free with a software subscription, although plans for the software start at $39.95 per month.
4. Square
   If you are a small business owner who owns a retail location, you have likely heard of Square. Square is the largest Point-of-Sale (POS) provider that has changed how businesses process credit card transactions. Square offers various software and hardware solutions, with the most basic version you only pay 2.6% + $0.10 for every in-person payment that you accept. Square is clean and professional, and guaranteed to make credit card payments easy for your customers.
5. Gusto
   Gusto is a full-service payroll and human resource application, available on a desktop computer or mobile device. Gusto allows you to manage payroll, benefits, and compliance for your employees. Additionally, you can calculate and file payroll taxes, and track vacation/sick time on the app. Gusto is currently available via a monthly subscription, with the base plan starting at $39 per month. The cost is worth it for the effortless organization that Gusto provides.

Meet EGBI’s Volunteer- Ken Falk

by Monica Peña | Aug 3, 2022 | Uncategorized

By Alison Flangel

A native of Pittsburgh, graphic designer expert Ken Falk has over 50 years of experience working with unique clients from all different realms. Through creating thousands of logos, brochures, campaigns, and more, Ken’s unique perspective on graphic design is valued by many. Starting off as an Art Publisher for Penton Publishing, Ken has grown his professional career all the way to building his own Marketing and Communications company out of Potomac, Maryland. Currently residing in Rockville, Maryland, Ken is still passionate about the importance of good design in our everyday lives.

Ken Falk shares his experience as an EGBI volunteer.

To get started, do you mind telling us a fun fact about yourself?
In my free time, I enjoy doing calligraphy.

How did you first get involved with EGBI?
So, I recently retired. A former client of mine mentioned that they use Catchafire, a skills-based volunteer match program, to get volunteer design work. I thought this would be perfect as I was looking for short duration volunteer work where my skills could be used. This is actually my first job with Catchafire, so it is an initial experience. It’s nice because I am planning to travel more now that the pandemic is controllable, and I don’t want to take on large long-term commitments, so short-term ones work pretty well.

Why do you volunteer for EGBI?
What intrigues me about EGBI is that it helps people learn to help themselves in a sense. People that have skills in one area, like carpentry, need help in learning how to start a business and all those things, which can be somewhat daunting. I like the idea of being able to help people become more self-sufficient and successful.

How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?
One reason why I chose this project with EGBI is because I like working on annual reports as a graphic designer. I think annual reports are interesting because they encapsulate telling a story about an organization, through highlighting accomplishments at a certain period of time. Annual reports can show transition and transformation of organizations. Additionally, Monica is really easy to work with, and I was able to make suggestions on the project which created a collaborative workspace. I really value working on projects where my input is heard and taken into consideration.

In 2021, EGBI volunteers put in more than 130 hours to help EGBI support and serve over 400 small businesses. Volunteers like Ken make this possible and continue to help EGBI pursue their mission of training, coaching, and supporting aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business.

Want to get involved too? Contact us to find out how you can volunteer or donate.

Meet EGBI’s Volunteer- Leslie Montoya

by Monica Peña | May 12, 2022 | Uncategorized

By Diana Garcia

Meet Leslie Montoya. She was born and raised in Reynosa Tamaulipas, México, where at the age of 15, she began her career in the communications field as a Radio Disc Jockey, and soon became a producer at ExaFM- one of the best Mexican Radio Stations. Leslie got her bachelor’s degree with Honors in marketing at Eastern Michigan University. She worked at Univision for 14 years as TV and radio personality and producer. Leslie was nominated several times as the best Austin TV personality by the Austin Women in Media, AWM. In 2013, Leslie was nominated and the recipient of an Emmy from the National Academy of Television & Sciences Lone Star Emmy Awards. Leslie is also a certified life coach from the Robbins Madanes Institute, founded by the great motivational speaker Anthony Robbins. She is also a NLP practitioner certified by NLP Seminars Group International, founded by Dr. Richard Bandler. Her purpose is to continue self- improvement and to better help her community. This allows her to positively motivate and inform the Hispanic community with the use of communication platforms. For five consecutive years, Leslie contributed as an editor/life coach with monthly positive bilingual capsules to the local magazine Austin Family Magazine. In her podcast, Leslie Contigo, Leslie talks about emotional intelligence and topics related to personal growth such as anxiety, how to handle stress, relationships among other topics. The purpose of the show is to share emotional health concepts and practical emotional skills that the person can easily understand and use in his life. She is a well representative personality in our Hispanic community in Austin.  

Leslie shares her experience as a volunteer of EGBI and how you can get involved too.

Hi Leslie! To get started, would you mind telling us a fun fact about yourself?

My weakness is craving Tamarindo: A Mexican candy. I can’t say no to any offers.

How have you volunteered for EGBI?

I have had the opportunity and pleasure to collaborate with EGBI as a master of ceremonies for different events and workshops.

Why do you think it is important to volunteer?

There are many professional and physical health benefits when a person decides to volunteer. Research shows that people who volunteer feel happier and improve their mental health, which helps ensure you don’t get burned out in your “real” job. Professionally, it helps you meet new people, learn new skills, and more. It is a wonderful way to contribute to your community and support organizations such as EGBI.

“Consider volunteering at EGBI. It will be a win-win experience.” – Leslie Montoya

Why is it important to volunteer at EGBI?

EGBI is a great and solid organization that supports established entrepreneurs grow their business, or starters who are thinking about launching a business but don’t have a clue where to start. EGBI has a great, knowledgeable, and heartfelt team whose mission is to always provide valuable information to local small business owners and entrepreneurs.

What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering with EGBI? 

I would say that they would have a win-win experience. They will be supporting a great organization while also gaining a great experience and meeting wonderful people, who will help enrich their professional life.

Leslie Montoya will be sharing her knowledge to Present yourself confidently online and offline at EGBI’s Summer Marketing Series on June 7th in Spanish and June 9th in English.

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In 2020, EGBI volunteers put in more than 130 hours to help EGBI support and serve over 400 small businesses. Volunteers like Leslie make this possible and continue to help EGBI pursue their mission of training, coaching, and supporting aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business.

Want to get involved too? Contact us to find out how you can volunteer or donate.