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
AI-Assisted Freelancer Platforms
Fiverr Go Supports Freelancers with Their Own AI Models
Low-Cost Business EV Charging
The ChargePoint Essential Cloud Plan is for Small Businesses
Multi-Sensory Sports Commentary Devices
OneCourt Pioneers Accessibility for Sports Fans
Content Marketing Hubs
Arcane Helps Startups Transform Insights into Impactful Content
Futuristic Imaginative Design Concepts
Toyota Introduces the Unique E-Collection of Products
Home Services E-Commerce Platforms
Go Lime Launches a New E-Commerce Platform
AI Accelerator Programs
Telnyx Aims to Support Startups and Emerging Businesses
Custom Sneaker Marketplaces
Sneakify Showcases and Connects Nike By You Enthusiasts in 1 Platform
Subscription-Based Creator Platforms
Michaels & Creative Fabrica Launch Michaels Digital Downloads
Digital Creator Revenue Shifts
Newsletter Platform Beehiiv Lets Readers Set Their Own Price
AI-Assisted Business Ads
Google Workspace's 50 States, 50 Stories Shares Small Businesses Using AI
Freelancer Empowerment Platforms
GigChampion Offers a User-Friendly Platform for Freelancers
Beauty Innovation Contests
Estée Lauder Launches The Catalysts Program
AI-Powered Innovation Platforms
Mintel Spark Helps Brands with Concept Generation
AI Customer Service Platforms
Intercom for Startups Offers AI Customer Service at a 90% Discount
Brand-Influencer Collaboration Tools
Squad Debuts a New Sponsor Button on Famous Birthdays
Personalized Wellness Platforms
Wellbuilt Ventures's Precision Health Platform Targets Businesses
Startup Idea Generators
Idea Forge Helps You Discover, Generate, and Assess Startup Ideas
Phygital Business Cards
Linq x Moo Paper Cards Merge Quality Prints with Digital Technology
AI-Powered Business Networking
Badavas AI Connects Entrepreneurs With the Right Business Partners
Generative AI Healthcare Solutions
Light-It Group Debuts a New Chapter — Enlighten Ventures
GenAI Financial Assistants
Intuit Assist for QuickBooks Streamlines Small Business Operations
AI-Powered Digital Employees
Product Genius Transforms How Small Businesses Connect with Customers
AI-Powered Digital Transformation Services
InfiniteIQ Consulting Has Redesigned Its Website
Marketing Idea Generators
Thunderbucket Provides Marketing Ideas and Observations at Speed
Financial Accessibility-Enhancing Cards
iCapital Ventures Launches the Liorcard Titanium
Empowering Startup Programs
Siemens Has Unveiled the 'Siemens for Startups' Program at CES 2025
Game-Changing Staffing Platforms
Marketplace by Coach360 Addresses Staffing Shortages
Neighborly Contracting Apps
Pigybak Ride Helps Neighbors Support Neighbors with Home Projects
Idea Validating Platforms
HeadStarter Helps Entrepreneurs Discover If Their Idea Exists
Influencer-Focused Social Platforms
Later Launches an AI-Powered Social Listening Tool
Kid Entrepreneur Carts
Allboss is a Creative Approach to Entrepreneurship for Children
Business Founder Newsletters
The Solo Founder Newsletter Compiles the Top News and Inspiration
Tech-Powered Business Solutions
Apple Business Connect Leverages the Brand's User Base
Diverse Beverage Partnerships
LibDib Integrates Diverse Powered Brands to Boost Inclusivity
Personalized Digital Payment Platforms
Mastercard One Credential Offers More Flexibility for Gen Z
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
Intuitive Store-Building Platforms
LaunchMyStore Helps Small Businesses, Sellers, and Dropshippers
AI Startup Showcases
Paddle AI Launchpad Showcase is Scaling AI Startups Into Success
CPG Goods-Focused Initiatives
Ignite20 Launches CPG VC Fund & Accelerator Program
Crowdfunding Platform Improvements
Kickstarter has Outlined its 2025 Roadmap of Platform Updates
Startup Growth Strategies
Do Things That Don't Scale Offers Startup Tactics for Growth
Startup Networking Platforms
Foundity Connects Founders with Peers, Resources, and AI Tools
Discovery-Based Influencer Platforms
BrandPilot AI Provides Businesses with Access to Influencers
AI-Powered Fundraising Platforms
Socap.ai Simplifies Startup Fundraising and Expands Networks
Online Idea-Sharing Platforms
Collaborate, Share, and Discover Projects with Oasis of Ideas
Expanded Technology Marketplaces
Best Buy Has Plans to Launch a New Third-Party Marketplace
Instant Inspirational Quotes
Quotz Offers Quick Curated Inspirational Quotes for Businesses
AI-Powered Document Management Tools
Business Kitz Has Introduced a New Platform Update with AI
Blockchain-Powered Credit Unions
KeyPoint Credit Union Joins a Banking Innovation Program
Digital Business Card Platforms
Digital Business Card Claims to Offer an Eco-Friendly Approach
AI-Powered Marketing Solutions
BrandPilot AI Unveils a New Marketing Campaign Management App
Creator Economy-Focused Marketplaces
Teespring Marketplace Relaunches Under Parent Company Amaze
Simplified Business Transaction Platforms
Aurora Payments Has Introduced a New Payment Platform
Effective Credit-Building Apps
Kikoff Relies on Targeted Financial Tools to Help Individuals
Comprehensive Freelancer Tools
Whelm Offers a Suite of Tools for Small Business Owners
Business Idea Development
Think Tank Pro Helps Turn Ideas into Actionable Business Plans
Localized Enterprise Programs
Unilever Introduced a Suppliers’ Recruitment Drive in Thailand
Business Operation-Optimizing Tools
Vemlo Debuts Tools for Business Operations & Online Visibility
Reimagined Story-Driven Campaigns
Visa Presented its 'Typewriter' Campaign at the 2025 Oscars
AI Patent Analysis Tool
Evalify Provides AI-Powered Patent Insights for Startups and Investors
Creator-Focused All-In-One Platforms
MediaClub.app Serves Creators in the Middle East
Fully Automated Invoicing Solutions
Digits AI Invoicing Aims to Simplify Tedious Invoicing Tasks
Tech-Focused Delivery Expansions
Best Buy is Now Allowing Scheduled Deliveries in Some U.S. States
Idea Validation Tools
'Validator' Researches Micro SaaS Ideas with Competitor Analysis
Cross-Border Startup Pitching Competitions
Seoul Seeks to Ignite Global Startup Collaboration
AI-Powered Course Creation
Course Creativ Provides Robust Solutions for Website and Landing Pages
Business Idea Validators
Validate-it Quickly Tests Business Ideas and Collects Real Email Leads
Startup Networking Platforms
Connect with Startups, Jobs, and Collaborators with Next Play
Digital Gifting Platforms
On Me Makes the Traditional Gift Card Experience Modern & Personal
Development Freelance Services
Brian Kayfitz Debuts Android Freelancer Services
Athlete-Inspired AI Brand Campaigns
AngelAi Taps a Groups of Athletes to Promote Its Ethos
AI Startup Accelerators
Appliful Builds AI Startups With Ready-To-Launch NextJS Applications
Real-World Business Ideas
People Problems Discovers Real Business Opportunities From Daily Needs
Personal Digital Book Libraries
Bookov Lets Readers Create a Digital Personal Library Collection
AI Business Assistants
FikraHub Turns Ideas into Businesses with AI-Driven Tools for Entrepreneurs
Business Feedback Platforms
Two Cents Helps Gather Constructive Feedback for Products and Services
Business Plan Development Services
Akademily Pivots to Serve the Needs of Entrepreneurs
Creative Design Tools
Spectrum Grants Access to 100+ Premium Vector Shapes to Boost Projects
Idea Feedback Platforms
Only Ideas Helps You Showcase, Share, and Improve Your Startup Concepts
Online Startup Marketplaces
StartupsOnSale.com Buys & Sells Startups Without Commission Fees
AI Idea Validators
Validate Business Ideas Instantly With FlowKitten's AI-Powered Feedback
Product Fit Training
Nail Your Niche Helps Startups Find Product-Market Fit With Marketing
Business Management Platforms
Streamline Projects and Finances with Midday’s All-In-One Software
Creator-Focused Sales Platforms
The Leap by Thinkific Helps Sell Digital Products on Social
Curated Startup Pitches
Startup Pitch Videos Curates Top Startup Pitches From Global Accelerators
Advertising Demand-Side Platforms
Yahoo Launched Yahoo Creative to Help Advertisers
Scaleable Freelance Tools
Productize Fast Helps Freelancers Looking to Transition and Scale
AI Networking Platforms
Team-Up Helps Entrepreneurs Connect, Share Ideas, and Expand Networks
Quick Landing Pages
Startt Helps You Create Customized, High-Converting Landing Pages in Seconds
Brand-Aligned Graphics
Bento Highlights Lets Users Craft Polished, Professional-Looking Graphics
Simple Free Invoicing Apps
Rolly Offers Customizable Invoicing for Businesses and Freelancers
Brand Discovery Platforms
SmartCustomer by Sitejabber Helps Customers Find New Favorite Brands
Community-Based Selling Platforms
Build, Sell, and Thrive with Digital Creations with YouTribe
AI Finance Tracking Solutions
With the Freelance App Users Can Track Detailed Reports & More
Small Business Resources
Forge and Prosper Provides Essential Tips for Business Success
Comprehensive Business System Tools
Dean Graziosi Upgrades the Mastermind Business System
Business Cost Calculators
MVP Calculator Offers Quick, Unbiased Estimates for Your Startup Idea
Personal Loans Marketplaces
Ratehub Has Launched Its Custom-Built Tool — LoanFinder
Beginner Business Wisdom
Beginner Maps Uses Insights From Experts to Help New Businesses Thrive
Expansive Inclusivity Initiatives
Boathouse Group Implements a Supplier Diversity Program
Career Platform AI Features
LinkedIn Introduces a Slew of AI-Powered Enhancements
Social Video Sponsorship Platforms
Find, Vet, and Book YouTube Sponsorships with Thoughtleaders.io
Business Management Tools
FoundersKit Simplifies Business Management with Financial Tracking & CRM
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Connective Non-Profit Funding
Wingtap Connects Users with Charities in Need of Fund
Digital Student Opportunities
Campus Connect Links Students to Tailored Opportunities Worldwide
Flexible Loan Services
Lana Digital Introduces the Revolving Line of Credit in Mexico
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Creative Collaboration Platforms
Buttonshift Simplify Projects with an Intuitive Approval Workflow
Professional Networking Platforms
JustNetwork Helps Monetize Business Connections And Expertise
Virtual Entrepreneurial Workshops
autonom.me is Bridging the Gap Between Entrepreneurs and Makers
Home Service Business Management
You Can Send Quotes, Schedule Jobs, and More with Workview.io
Flexible Payment Features
Jifiti Has Introduced Tap Now, Pay Later™ Technology
AI-Powered Influencer Tools
SMINCO Connects Businesses with Influencers for Marketing Campaigns
Curated Job Boards
Lillypad Jobs Helps Users Find Entry-Level Tech Jobs and Internships
Fast Landing Page Builders
IndieSpark Creates Conversion-Focused Landing Pages in Minutes
Affordable Design Talent Finders
Design Scout Connects Users to Designers for Startup Projects.
Decentralized Ad Platforms
City 17 Turns Everyday Screens Into Revenue-Generating Ad Displays
SaaS Launch Toolkits
DeploySaaS Offers 60+ Platforms To Launch Your Product And Gain Visibility
Quick Monetized Expertise
'20min' Lets Experts Offer Quick, Paid Advice Via Text, Voice, or Video
Digital Diversified Beverage Programs
Diverse Powered Brands Provides Online Operations Solutions
Tech Hiring Platforms
'Hackajob On-Demand' Connects Companies to Top Tech Contractors, Fast
Social Proof Enhancement Tools
Proofify Boosts Businesses with Compelling Content and Reviews
Smart Meeting Platforms
That's What You Said! Highlights the Gaps in Modern Meeting Platforms
Entrepreneurial Journey Insights
Founder Folks Teaches You How Founders Launched Their Business
Centralized contractor management
Freelbee Does it All – from Onboarding to Payments Tracking
Incentive Automation Platforms
Shoutout Automates Growth with Rewards to Engage and Retain Users
In-Person Community Builders
Spon Empowers People to Build Up Their Communities
Empowering Home Improvement Initiatives
Resurfacing Solutions Offers Mentorship & Ownership
Audiobook Insight Platforms
Spotify Introduces the New Spotify for Authors Publishing Platform
Community-Focused Startup Leaderboards
IndiePage Showcases Startups that Compete for Top Spots
Streamlined Pay-Per-Call Solutions
Service Direct Has Debuted Dynamic Connect to Help Businesses
Growth-Based Marketing Platforms
Crowdtiv Connects Mentors and Mentees to Grow Businesses
Startup Partnership Platforms
Foundance Helps Startups Find Co-Founders and Structures Agreements
B2B Credit Decision Tools
Krebit Streamlines the Financial Process for Credit Card Applicants
Invoice Simplifying Tools
Invoice Master Helps Freelancers Get Paid Quicker
Weekly Finance Newsletters
Deelscoop Keeps Users Informed from Seed to Series D and Beyond
Professional Resource Hubs
Noulej Offers Expert-Led Playbooks to Overcome Startup Growing Pains
Digital Entrepreneur Directories
WebKits Aggregates Boilerplate Templates Across Tech Stacks