These small business innovations range from contract-creating platforms to niche financing services that are specially designed for entrepreneurs. Whether applied by a tech startup CEO or a seller of artisan crafts, these examples will appeal to a number of business owners who are looking to expand and build their brand.
When examining sponsorship, financing and payment innovations, standouts include Vouch, a crowdfunded loan service that offers low interest rates to those with a stable credit history. The platform grants monetary funds to business owners based on testimonials from customers, relative or friends that can vouch for their personality and financial history.
When looking at small business innovations in the branding realm, intuitive web design apps and logo generators top this list. Other standouts include interactive business card platforms that help rookie designers create professional-looking promotional materials at a fraction of the price.
45 Small Business Innovations
From Digitized Small Business Loans to Contract-Creating Platforms:
Jana Pijak — May 4, 2016 — Business
45
DIY Logo Design Kits
This Logo Creation Kit Includes 240 Inspirations and 30 Premade Logos
44
Logo-Creating Startups
Logopony Helps Other New Ventures Create a Flat Logo in Just Minutes
43
Small Business Lending Platforms
Lendified is a Tech-Powered Solution for Canadian Small Biz Loans
42
Automated Business Matchmaking Services
Swaaap.com's Platform Connects Businesses & Entrepreneurs
41
Local Manufacturing Platforms
This Store Connects International Designers with Local Artisans
40
Simple Website-Building Tools
This Service Helps Small Business Owners Create Their Own Website
39
Startup-Pitching Platforms
This App Gives Young Entrepreneurs a Simple Platform for Sharing Ideas
38
Small Business Shopping Initiatives
The 'Shop the Neighborhood' Campaign Encourages Local Shopping
37
Brand Name-Generating Apps
This App Generates the Perfect Startup Name for Budding Brands
36
Start-Up Networking Apps
This Tinder for Entrepreneurs Lets Users Pay It Forward with Right Swipes
35
Instant Money Sharing Apps
clearXchange Lets Users Conveniently Send Money Anywhere in the World
34
Bill-Organizing Apps
The 'Billy' App Helps Users Manage Subscriptions and Upcoming Bills
33
Gamified Banking Apps
Emirates Islamic Bank's 'El World' Rewards Customers for Transactions
32
Localized Loyalty Apps
The Deal Local App Helps Local Businesses Build Loyalty Among Customers
31
Loan-Paying Search Engines
BrowseU Helps People Pay Off Student Debt Through Advertising Revenue
30
Small Business Discount Apps
This App Helps Small Business Owners Offer Exclusive Deals
29
Social Selling Apps
The Flogg App Makes Buying and Selling More Social Than Ever
28
Entrepreneurial Parent Programs
First Years' 'Parentpreneur Grant' Fuses Parenting and Business
27
Cloud Currency Payments
The nTrust System Aims to Free Consumers' and Businesses' Money
26
Entrepreneur Simulation Games
StartupAdventure is a Business Game Where You Choose Your Own Path
25
Skilled Employee Apps
The CA Technologies Talent Development Platform Targets Expert Workers
24
Passive Recruitment Platforms
This Service Allows Users to Post Their Resume Post Anonymously
23
Mobile Design Portfolio Platforms
The MOO Monogram App Shows Design Work for Digital Presentation
22
Skills-Based Hiring Platforms
This Tool Helps Skilled Professionals Advertise Their Services
21
Flexible E-Commerce Payments
Faspay and Bank Permata Permit Payment by Phone, ATM and More
20
Multi-Platform Publishing Tools
This Digital Content Platform Helps Users Publish Everwhere
19
Home Business Apps
Ishippo Provides Business Owners With Logistical Solutions
18
Female-Focused Finance Apps
'Pinkfolio' is a Personal Wealth App Targeted at Women
17
Experiential Design Interfaces
Printed by Somerset Promotes Services With an Interactive Platform
16
AI Operation Managers
Populace Uses Text Messaging to Help Hourly Workers Run Their Business
15
Talent Management Platforms
Clustree Helps Human Resources with Internal Hiring Opportunities
14
Virtual Business Assistants
These Domestic Virtual Assistants Do More Than Basic Admin Tasks
13
Legal Contract-Creating Platforms
The Juro Platform Helps Small Businesses Create Legal Documents
12
Crowdfunded Loan Guarantees
Vouch Offers Better Loan Rates to Customers Whose Friends Sponsor Them
11
Live Employee-Evaluating Platforms
BlinkEval Makes Giving Performance Feedback More Timely
10
Grant Application Concierge Services
Instrumentl Helps Research Scientists Apply for Grants
9
Smart Hiring Apps
Recruiting Coordinator Talera Screens Job Applicants In Little to No Time
8
Content-Categorizing Apps
The Cubeit App Lets You Organize and Collate Content From Different Apps
7
Automated Reporting Startups
Baxter Can Fetch Data, Create Reports and Send Them On Your Behalf
6
Shipment Tracking Services
Trello is a Project Management App That Tracks Deliveries in Real Time
5
Shift Planning Apps
Planday Helps Businesses Manage Their Workforce
4
User-Friendly Website Builders
This App Helps Users Design Mobile-Friendly Sites
3
Responsive User Interface Tools
Google's Latest Web Design Tool Lets Designers Customize Their UIs
2
Streamlined Videoconference Apps
The 'FaceMe Rooms' Video Meeting App is by FaceMe and Samsung
1
Customized Lending Services
India Lends Tailors Loans to Consumers' Individual Needs
Related Ideas
Social e-Commerce Platforms
Hoppn Creates "A New Type of Centralized Online Shopping Experience"
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Interactive In-Store Ads
Visibubble Brings Mobile Messaging Capabilities to Store Shelves
AI-Backed Private Payment Solutions
TODAQ's 'TAPP' Micropayments Improves Healthcare Privacy
AI-Fueled Finance Apps
The 'Finn' App Can Provide Accurate Responses to Complex Queries
Brainstorming Business Idea Tools
IdeaMate is the Solution to Fighting Stale Business Ideas
Co-Browsing Shopping Platforms
buywith's Next Gen Co-Browsing Patent Helps Customers Shop Together
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
Free Content Creation Platforms
'Piggy' Raised $7.7 Million to Launch its Platform on ProductHunt
Small Business Newsletter Platforms
Mailbob Helps Business Owners Build Newsletter Programs
Efficient Business Payments
Xero Debuted Two New Integrations for Business Payments
AI-Powered Marketing Tools
This E-Commerce Tool Uses Customer Data to Project Reward Impacts
AI-Powered Fintech Tools
Square Introduces Ten New Generative AI Features for Content Creation
Viral Video Databases
Viral Ideas Offers Inspiration for a Content Creator's Next Big Video
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Inclusive Digital Platform Experiences
Google Launches More Inclusive Assistance to its Platforms
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
Black Female-Identifying Entrepreneurs Grants
The Startup Collective by Aveeno is Now Live
Seamless Concession Platforms
Zippin Walk-Up Transforms Traditional Concession Stand Experiences
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Zero-Waste Voucher Solutions
On-us Launches New Technology for Sustainable Event Engagement
Remote Team Collaboration Platforms
The 'Vani' Visual Collaboration Platform is Intuitive
Digital Product Care Brochures
'Lolita & Zoitza' Partnered with Tapkit on Informative Brochures
Scannable NFC Business Cards
The OVOU Smart Business Card Sends Users to a Custom Link
Revolutionary Video Creation Apps
Zoomerang Allows Creators to Monetize Their Creativity
Product Exploration Retailer Tools
These New Instacart Discovery Tools Connect Brands to Retailers
Wearable Conference-Focused Technology
Bizzabo Introduces Klik Experiential for Flagship Events
Customizable White-Label Consumables
Printify Offers On-Demand Consumables for Brands & Businesses
Instant Retail Savings Platforms
formi by Patron Points Offers Universal Savings for Shoppers
Simple B2B Payment Apps
Hopscotch Enables "Instant, Fee-free Payments for Small Businesses"
Digitally Led Bakery-Cafes
Panera's Small-Format Store Has a Digitized Menu & Tracking Screens
Product Maker Launch Platforms
MicroLaunch Offers a Streamlined Avenue for Feedback
SaaS Startup Newsletters
The SaaS Start Up Guide is Written by Law, Finance, and Tech Experts
Digital Wallet Loyalty Solutions
Loopy Loyalty Adds Loyalty Cards in Apple and Google Wallet
Gen Z-Targeting TikTok Tools
American Express & TikTok Launch the '#ShopSmall Accelerator' Program
Pioneering Secondhand Search Engines
Beni Dominates Resale Marketplace with Innovative App
Omnichannel Grocery Technologies
Instacart Launches the New Omnichannel Solutions for Grocers
Digital Delivery Service Storefronts
Instacart Storefront Lets Retailers Customize the Interface
AI-Enabled Product Creation
Off/Script Launches an App to Create and Buy AI-Designed Products
Interactive Digital Menus
Tabmeal Empowers Restaurants to Revolutionize the Way Guests Order
Hourly Job-Finding Apps
Gigs is a Job Platform for the Gig Economy
Startup Name Generators
FindName Suggests Countless Ideas to Help Name Your New Business
Gen Z Budgeting Platforms
Buddy and Klarna Teamed Up to Support Gen Z Financial Health
AI Startup Pitch Assistants
PitchBob.io Helps Entrepreneurs Refine and Hone Their Pitches
Personalized Virtual Assistants
HappyVA Can Be Personalized to Suit Any Businesses' Needs
Influencer Search Apps
Mavn Connects Influencers with Their Favorite Brands for Paid Opportunities
Startup Applicant Tracking Platforms
The 'Briteloop' Platform is Built for Small Businesses
Third-Party Artisanal Marketplaces
Michaels Launches the MarkerPlace Alternative Marketplace
Branded Customer Resale Marketplaces
Relove Enables Businesses to Launch C2B2C Storefronts
Blockchain Copyright Platforms
Kazakh Company Launches a Blockchain Copyright Protection Platform
AI-Enhanced Legal Platforms
The 'Bloomberg Law' Platform Streamlines Litigators' Research
Virtual Avatar Workers
The Bite Ninja Platform Allows Retailers to Outsource Cashier Work Online
AI-Enhanced Renovation Tools
Dzinly Upgrades its AI-Backed Home Renovation Platform
Sophisticated Price Comparison Tools
Klarna Announces the Launch of a New Search Tool
Ecommerce Returns Programs
Loop Launches an App to Help Shopify Merchants Optimize Returns
Idea-Testing Startup Tools
Startup Idea Tester Streamlines the Early Stages of a Business
Account-Managing Finance Features
Entrust Launches a New Digital Account Opening Solution
Creator Economy Tool Directories
Creator Economy Tools Offer Over 1,000 Resources
Responsible Lending Platforms
Enova is a Financial Tech Platform Making Credit More Accessible
Personal Shopping Assistants
Klarna Debuts a More Personalized Shopping Feature Dubbed Ask Klarna
Business-Friendly NFT Tools
Salesforce Introduces NFT Tools to Help Businesses Embrace Web3
B2B eCommerce Retailer Platforms
Walmart Business Streamlines Access to Essentials
Compact Payment Devices
Dojo Releases a Pocket-Sized Card Machine for Convenient Table Payments
Content Creator News Sources
Creative Brew Offers Daily Insight and News for Content Creators
B2B Travel Booking Platforms
WeTravel Improves Booking and Payment Solutions for Travel Companies
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
Influencer Partnership Platforms
impact.com Launches a New Platform for Influencer Management
Digital Subscription Management Platforms
The 'Yorba' Platform Handles One's Digital Footprint
Inspiring Creator-Focused Decks
TikTok Launches a New Creative Content Inspiration Deck
Business Idea Keyword Checker
Build the Keyword Helps Find Keyword for Optimal Traffic
Show-Sponsoring Branding Partnerships
Coca-Cola, Henkel and Scott’s Sponsor Three Roku Originals
BNPL Shopping Subscriptions
Klarna Adds a Subscription Plan for Frequent Shoppers
Digital Brainstorming Tools
Card Buddy Serves as an Online Space to Visualize Ideas and Thoughts
E-Commerce Billing Features
Shopify Unveils the 'Shopify Bill Pay' Solution for Merchant Expenses
AI-Powered Marketing Strategies
The M1 Marketing Strategy Generator Will Build a Strategy
AI-Powered Freelance Services
Fiverr Helps People Co-Create with Artificial Intelligence
Gen Z-Targeted Credit-Building Tools
Austin Capital Bank Launches the Freekck Credit Builder
Business-Oriented Visa Cards
Veem Releases a New Virtual Visa Card for SMEs with Zero Fees
Digital Trademarking Services
Digip Digitizes the Process of Applying for Trademarks Using Tech
AI Business Consultants
15-Minute Business Plans Helps Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Entrepreneur Brand-Building Tools
IndieLogs Helps Founders Stand Out Through Personalized Profiles
BNPL Bank Programs
Marqeta and Credi2 Collaborate to Enhance the Banks' Payment Capabilities
Expanded Cross-Border Payments
Visa Announces the Expansion of its Visa+ Program for US Customers
Contactless Mobile Payments
Intesa Sanpaolo Teams Up with Nexi to Launch the SoftPOS Application
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
Customized Membership Cards
Amaze Technologies Offers Digital Wallet Loyalty Solutions for Brands
Content Creator Streaming Platforms
The 'Quench' Platform Offers Access to Exclusive Content
Preemptive Startup Evaluations
Vet My Idea Helps Startups Survive with AI Assessments and Ideas
Social Digital Nomad Apps
The 'Citizen Remote' App Supports Remote Workers and More
Social E-Commerce Platforms
TikTok is Launching a New E-Commerce Platform for Consumers
Intelligent Loan Platforms
Levr.ai Helps Small Businesses Access Better Funding Options
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
AI-Boosted Enterprise Tools
The 'Innovation Assistant' Assists Ideation and Implementation
AI-Powered Influencer Searches
Vidovo Launches a Influencer Discovery Feature with AI Capabilities
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
Comfort-Focused Business Features
Uber Launches a Series of Features to Benefit Business Travelers
AI Elevator Pitch Generators
Elevator Pitch Uses AI to Create Personalized Entrepreneurial Pitches
Visual Email Newsletters
PencilBooth is a Newsletter That Prioritizes Images Over Text
Hospitality Finance Platforms
Carats & Cake
Transparent Fintech Lending Platforms
Scienaptic Helps Mitigate Risk with the Help of AI Tech
Supportive Entrepreneurial Communities
The Zenpreneur Community Provides Resources and Support
Versatile Workforce Platforms
Neat Unveils a Large-Scale Expansion with its New App Platform
Small Business-Supporting Contests
Staples Launches Boost My Biz, Targeted at Canadian Businesses
Supportive Startup Growth Metrics
Gilion Helps Founders Plan for Their Future
Revamped Modern Phone Booths
100architects Brings Digital Touches to the Classic Phone Booth
Transparent Paid Partnership Features
LinkedIn Is Releasing a New Feature for Brand Partnerships
Democratized Financial Service Tools
Plaid Aims to Make Financial Services More Accessible
AI-Enhanced Job Searching Apps
Simplify Leverages AI to Match Candidates with Suitable Positions
Integrated Business Banking Tools
PennyFlo Streamlines Financial Management for Businesses
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
All-In-One Wedding Platforms
David's Bridal Debuts Pearl, a Wedding Planning Platform and Vendor
Video Testimonials Tools
Feedspace to Boost your Business's Credibility in the Market
Failed Digital Product Databases
Dead Product Marketplace is a Graveyard for Abandoned Projects
Accessible Commerce Engines
Ecommerce Platform Mason Seeds $7.5m as It Takes on the ‘Amazon Tax’
Modern Business Card Scanners
Spreadly Scan Brings Networking to the Modern Age
Small Business Insurance Policies
TD Insurance Launches the New TD Insurance for Business Service
NFT Fan Engagement Platforms
VRYNT Allows Influencers and Brands to Create Bespoke NFT Collections
Inclusive Try-On Programs
Perfect Corp. Connects Beauty Brands with Digital Beauty Innovation
Mobile Artwork Purchasing Platforms
The 'Cohart' Platform Supports Modern Art Buyers and Sellers
Award-Winning Fundraising Platforms
Pledge is Utilized by Companies, Nonprofits, and Individuals
Branded Small Business Contests
Staples Canada Honors Small Businesses with Boost My Biz Contest
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Professional Networking Platforms
Peerlist Helps Individuals and Businesses Create Profiles
Streamlined Task Outsourcing Platforms
Taskapron Connects Users with Skilled Professionals
Versatile Marketing Toolkits
Looper Insights Releases a Digital Marketing Insights Tool
Accessible Home Services Marketplaces
Urban Company Recently Made Its Platform More Accessible
Comprehensive Business Loyalty Solutions
BusinessQR Helps Brands Build Customer Loyalty
Friendship-Focused Finance Agreements
'Friends Over Money' Let's You Make Agreements with Friends
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Video-Based Hiring Platforms
The 'GoClip' Social Hiring Platform Lets User Upload Videos
Online Poker Engagement Features
Stretch Network Confirms the Launch of Three New Features
Diverse Job Connection Platform
FlexRem Caters to Hybrid, Remote, In-Office and More
Efficient Personalized Idea Newsletters
Sofon Curates Personalized Insights From Numerous Sources
Hospitality Full-Suite Commerce Platforms
fanz.io is a New Hospitality technology Start-Up
Virtual Supplier Spending Cards
ConnexPay Launches the ConnexPay Flex Variable-Rate Virtual Card
Digital Commercial Payment Apps
Mastercard Unveils the Mobile Virtual Card App for Businesses
Comprehensive Checkout Tools
TreviPay Launches an All-in-One Checkout Solution to Reduce Friction
Streamlined Decision-Making Platforms
Wunderboards Aims to Adds Simplicity and Creativity to Work
Streamlined Start-Up Job Searching
Startup Jobs by Binh Pham is a Community for Job Seekers