When it comes to building a business, bootstrapping can be an appealing funding option. Bootstrapping involves using your own funds — be it your personal savings or investments — as capital to get your business started.

Bootstrapping is perfect for getting a microbusiness off the ground. A microbusiness operates on a small scale, usually with 10 employees or less. Generally, it is a simple operation that can be started easily with minimal resources. Because of its size, a large financial investment is not always necessary.

There are clear benefits to this structure. Without external funders or investors, you reap all the profits which can be reinvested into your business. You can experiment more, make your own decisions, and maintain total control of your business.

From a technology perspective, finding the right software, tools, and platforms is vital when bootstrapping a microbusiness. It helps save money and increase productivity — must-haves for businesses with smaller resources.

Here are four solutions to consider for your microbusiness:

1. Desktop and collaboration platforms

Remote desktop and collaboration platforms are vital important in today’s work-from-anywhere era. They provide the flexibility to run your business when and where you choose.

Desktop and collaboration platforms are essential for the day-to-day management of your microbusiness. They allow you to create and organise business documents, while collaboration platforms enable working efficiently with your employees, suppliers, and partners.

While open-source platforms can be a good starting option as they are free, subscription-based platforms such as Microsoft 365 offer comprehensive features with advanced security for peace of mind.

2. Communication tools

Communication tools are key in a digital world. They allow you to collaborate with employees, do business with vendors, and build relationships with customers.

While the landline is a traditional means of communication, alternatives such as smartphones, virtual phone lines, and VoIP services are more mobile options. For instance, Singtel BizVoice is a cloud-based, business-grade phone system that eliminates the need for an on-premise phone system. You get reliable communications capabilities and seamless voice conversations.

You can also use videoconferencing for a more personal touch. Meet with multiple team members or discuss with clients over video calls as if you are connecting with them face to face. Microsoft Teams, part of Microsoft 365, can be extended with solutions such as Teams UC Connector. It enables PSTN calls via a business number to be received on the Teams app on various devices and operating systems.

3. Accounting and invoicing software

While accounting and invoicing are time-consuming administrative tasks, they are integral to maintaining a business. As a microbusiness owner, you might be tempted to handle them yourself, but getting an expert to do it for you will pay off in the long run.

A less costly option would be to adopt invoicing software that allows faster billing, and accounting software to keep track of your income and expenses and ensure compliance come tax time.

4. Helpdesk apps

Providing customer support is crucial for every business, and even more so for new businesses. While the communication tools mentioned above can be used to address customer issues, helpdesk apps simplify the customer service workflow, bringing together support requests from different channels (emails, chat messages, social media mentions, and more) into a single app for better visibility and management.

To get started, you can try out free apps such as Spiceworks, Zoho Desk and Freshdesk.