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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 Spanishand 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.
Meet Rebecca, an Austin native and founder of Earth + Hand, a health and wellness company offering locally produced soaps made from all natural ingredients. She started making soaps for her family and friends in 2011 with the goal of eliminating chemicals and toxins from her everyday routine. Having a child on the spectrum, she was especially focused on creating products with aroma and texture sensitivity in mind. Although she was hesitant at first, her friends loved her products and encouraged her to start a business. Today Earth + Hand products can be found online and at local markets around Austin.
Rebecca shares her experience as a business owner and how EGBI can help you grow your business too.
Hi Rebecca! To get started, would you mind telling us what inspired you to start your business?
I experienced sensitivity to a lot of skincare products and was worried about my son who’s sensitive to certain fragrances and dyes. I wanted to create a product that minimizes toxins while using sustainable and renewable ingredients.
What makes your business unique?
We take a general wellness approach by combining wellness with everyday life. Our soaps are thoughtfully made and produced by hand in small batches. We’ve also started selling sage and crystals to encourage self-care for both the body and home.
What are some obstacles you feel like you have encountered in starting or growing your business? How did you overcome this?
Our biggest obstacle was the shift with the pandemic and no longer being able to sell our products in person. Our soaps are very aroma centered, with a focus on aromatherapy, so it’s been difficult not having an in person experience. Moving online was especially difficult because I’m not the most tech savvy person and had to learn everything from scratch. I’ve overcome this by being persistent and intentional. The most important thing is to keep trying.
What workshops/business coaching have you done through EGBI?
I was so excited when I found EGBI! I started doing business coaching with Barbara and Joni, where we focused on formulating my business and kicking it into high gear.
How has EGBI helped you?
EGBI helped me turn my passion into a sustainable business. My mom was an entrepreneur and having a personal background in real estate I knew a little about selling services; But to sell products I needed a completely different approach. It’s amazing how after one coaching session I knew exactly what steps I needed to take in order to get my business off the ground.
Want to work with EGBI? Contact us to find out how you can get started.
Royal Arms Cleaning services specializes in cleaning commercial spaces for various industries, including, but not limited to offices, schools, retail, medical, industrial/manufacturing, restaurants, dealerships, religious facilities, event venues, etc. The company offers full cleaning services in the general night clean: vacuum, sweep and mop, garbage/recycling removal, kitchen/breakroom, restroom, etc. Additional services provided: day porter, deep clean; make-ready (move in/move out) service, post-construction clean up, window cleaning, carpet cleaning, water extraction, floor maintenance (strip and wax, machine scrub and recoat, and spray buff), power washing, and disinfecting (fogger). They use hospital grade disinfectant products that help to eliminate viruses, germs, and more.
We were proud to have a conversation with Anne Hardin, coowner of Royal Arms Cleaning, LLC about their entrepreneur journey, challenges during COVID-19, how EGBI has assisted them through coaching, and much more. We were also joined with our supporter Cristina Valdés, local realtor with Realty Austin.
Lucero was born and raise in North Mexico and now happily living and raising my little family in Austin, Texas. She created Lucero Photography due to her passion of digital photography. She does professional headshots, family photos, and product photography.
We were proud to have a conversation with Lucero Valle-Archuleta about her entrepreneur journey, challenges during COVID-19, how she has pivoted her business, how EGBI has assisted her through coaching, and more. We were joined by Allison Lujan with Moody Bank as moderator. Thank you ladies for the great conversation.
Interview with Lucero Valle-Archuleta of Lucero Photography below.
A business plan is the foundation of your business. Develop a useful plan to open your business. Build your financial projections and your marketing plan so that you will know
Event Details
A business plan is the foundation of your business. Develop a useful plan to open your business. Build your financial projections and your marketing plan so that you will know how to launch your business. Use your business plan as a roadmap to structure, administer, and grow your new business. Local subject matter experts assist you to develop your strategy for your business.
The cost for BUILD Your Business Plan for all 8 classes is only $25 due to the generousity of City of Austin .
Time
August 22 (Tuesday) 6:00 pm - October 10 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Desarrolla un plan útil para abrir tu negocio. Construye tus proyecciones financieras y tu plan de marketing para saber cómo lanzar tu negocio. Los expertos locales en la materia te
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Event Details
Desarrolla un plan útil para abrir tu negocio. Construye tus proyecciones financieras y tu plan de marketing para saber cómo lanzar tu negocio. Los expertos locales en la materia te ayudarán a desarrollar la estrategia para tu negocio.
Desarrolla el plan para tu negocio es una serie de 8 talleres.. En 2023, los talleres se realizan en las siguientes fechas:
Del 24 de agusto al 12 de octubre de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m. los jueves
El costo del curso Desarrolla el plan para tu negocio para las 8 clases es solo $25 debido a la generosidad de la ciudad de Austin.
Time
August 24 (Thursday) 6:00 pm - October 12 (Thursday) 8:00 pm
Let’s come together again to celebrate the accomplishments of EGBI and its clients. Celebrating Success luncheon will be held on October 19th, 2023, at the Norris Conference Center 2525 W
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Event Details
Let’s come together again to celebrate the accomplishments of EGBI and its clients. Celebrating Success luncheon will be held on October 19th, 2023, at the Norris Conference Center 2525 W Anderson Ln. Austin, TX 78757 in the Red Oak Ballroom. In keeping with tradition, we will showcase products and services with our EGBI small business expo, where you and other attendees will be able to purchase different items and services from local small businesses.
We hope you will consider supporting EGBI’s Celebrating Success. The success of our programs and services is dependent upon the support of our investors. Thank you in advance for your willingness to support EGBI and our local small businesses.
Sponsorship opportunities are available throughout the year. Your support helps us connect individuals to the resources and education they need to make them successful business owners. As you may know, although Austin is an awesome city for small businesses, not everyone has equal access to great resources. We hope you view this as an opportunity that needs to be addressed, and that you join our efforts and help us create, grow and sustain successful grassroots businesses, contributing to Austin’s economy and the prosperity of their families.
Please click here to view our Sponsorship levels, fill out the form and contact Monica Peña, monica@egbi.org (512-928-2594) with any questions or comments.
If you are an EGBI client and would like to participate in this year’s event, please contact Monica Peña (monica@egbi.org).
Únase a nosotros para una serie de cinco talleres que lo ayudarán a establecer las bases de su negocio. Tendrá la oportunidad de hacer preguntas, obtener guías paso a paso
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Event Details
Únase a nosotros para una serie de cinco talleres que lo ayudarán a establecer las bases de su negocio. Tendrá la oportunidad de hacer preguntas, obtener guías paso a paso y conocer a expertos en negocios y otras personas que comienzan su viaje de negocios pequeños. Los temas incluyen:
Configuración de su presencia en línea
Mantenimiento de Registros Financieros
Cómo Manejar el Riesgo y Proteger tu Negocio
Tácticas de marketing para principiantes
Resumen de Impuestos Comerciales
Endeudarse: lo que debe saber sobre los préstamos comerciales
El costo del curso ADMINISTRA TU NEGOCIO para las 6 clases es solo $25 debido a la generosidad de la ciudad de Austin.
Time
October 24 (Tuesday) 6:00 pm - December 5 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Join us for a series of five workshops that will help you set up the foundation of your business. You will have a chance to ask questions, get step by
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Event Details
Join us for a series of five workshops that will help you set up the foundation of your business. You will have a chance to ask questions, get step by step guides and meet biz experts and others starting out in their small business journey. Topics include:
Setting Up your Online Presence
Financial Record Keeping
Managing Risk/Protecting Your Business
Marketing Tactics for Beginners
Business Taxes Overview
Getting into Debt: What you should know about business loans.
The cost for Manage Your Business for all 6 classes is only $25 due to the generousity of City of Austin.
Time
October 26 (Thursday) 6:00 pm - December 7 (Thursday) 8:00 pm