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Top 10 Tools for Entrepreneurs on a Budget in 2023

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woman looking at her laptop

It’s easier for entrepreneurs nowadays to start their businesses because of online tools and software applications. Fortunately for entrepreneurs with a budget, most of these tools are free or cost less than $10/mo. And if you’re starting a new business this 2023, here are tools for entrepreneurs you must use!

1. Google Workspace

google workspace website screenshot

One of the best tools for entrepreneurs is the whole Google Workspace. Once you sign up for a Gmail account, you can access Google’s free tools. These include:

  • Docs
  • Sheets
  • Slides
  • Drive
  • Calendar
  • Chat

You need to use these features to write down all of your ideas, create presentations, and store all of your files on the cloud. Only the Individual Google Workspace is free and great for entrepreneurs on a budget.

2. Slack

slack website screenshot

If you have a growing team and want to communicate with them, Slack is one of the best communication apps out there. On Slack, you can chat with your teammates, send files, and conduct meetings with their video chat feature. Plus, you can integrate other tools into your channel, too, such as Google Docs, Zoom, Jira, Salesforce, and Outlook.

Pricing:

  • Free
  • Pro – $7.25/mo
  • Business+ – $12.50/mo
  • Enterprise Grid – Contact sales

3. Zoom

zoom website screenshot

One tool you must have in your entrepreneur arsenal is a video conferencing one. After all, you need to meet with investors, clients, customers, or employees. And one of the best to download is Zoom.

If you use Zoom, make sure that the other party has downloaded the software. Other than that, you can record your meeting, chat during the video call, and use custom backgrounds. Plus, you can collaborate with your attendees using the Whiteboard feature and integrate your apps, such as Hubspot, Calendly, and Slack.

Pricing (Zoom One):

  • Basic – Free
  • Pro – $14.99/mo/user
  • Business – $19.99/mo/user
  • Enterprise – Contact sales

4. Trello

trello website screenshot

Organization is important when running a business. Entrepreneurs need project management tools to keep track of their ongoing projects. And one of the best apps for any entrepreneur is Trello. The popular kanban project management tool is home to many businesses to ensure their team is staying on track and can automate different processes.

Pricing:

  • Free
  • Standard – $6/mo
  • Premium – $12.50/mo
  • Enterprise (50 users) – $17.50/user/mo (billed annually)

5. Calendly

calendly website screenshot

If you’re a new entrepreneur, you might need to set up endless meetings with investors and prospective employees. And if you don’t want to miss a single appointment, you can use an appointment app like Calendly

You can personalize your Calendly link, integrate Stripe and PayPal for seamless payments, and schedule future meetings. Plus, when attendees want to set a meeting with you, they’ll only see the slots you’re free. And you won’t miss any appointments since Calendly will send notifications to you and your attendees.

Pricing:

  • Free
  • Essentials – $10/seat/mo
  • Professional – $15/seat/mo
  • Teams – $20/seat/mo
  • Enterprise – Contact sales

6. QuickBooks

quickbooks website screenshot

Entrepreneurs need an accounting software for bookkeeping purposes. Plus, they will need one when they hire freelancers or employees. One of the best accounting software applications for any entrepreneur is QuickBooks

With QuickBooks, you can send invoices and receipts, keep track of expenses, and manage your inventory. Plus, there are other nifty accounting-related issues that any small business or entrepreneur will need from the start.

Pricing:

  • Simple Start – $17/mo
  • Essentials – $13/mo
  • Plus – $18/mo

7. Boomerang

boomerang website screenshot

One underutilized tool for new entrepreneurs is the Boomerang extension for Gmail. This is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to schedule emails to investors or clients. Plus, it’s a great tool for checking your email’s grammar and readability. Plus, if you spend all day answering emails but want to take a break and work on other tasks, Boomerang has a pause email option. This lets you focus on other things.

In addition, it’s an appointment scheduling tool that sends you reminders of when to send an email again and other notices you don’t want to miss.

Pricing (billed annually):

  • Free
  • Personal – $4.98/mo
  • Pro – $14.98/mo
  • Premium – $49.98/mo
  • Boomerang for Teams – Contact sales

8. Buffer

buffer website screenshot

Your new business should have an online presence. And even if you don’t have a website yet, you need to have active social media accounts. This alerts your potential target audience that you’re here.

And if you want an all-in-one social media tool for your business, Buffer is one of the best options to use. With Buffer, you can schedule social media posts on sites such as:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • LinkedIn

Aside from that, you can track analytics and monitor your engagement rates. Plus, they offer a “link to bio” start page. You can add relevant links to this page, and people can visit these to get to know you or your business more.

Pricing:

  • Free
  • Essentials – $6/mo
  • Team – $12/mo
  • Agency – $120/mo

9. Canva

canva website screenshot

As a business owner, you need visuals or design assets to post on your site. Although you can share some visual assets through social media through the retweet or share button, you need to post your own visuals online. That said, you need a design tool to help you create these visuals. One of the best tools for entrepreneurs is Canva.

The most important visual asset you need when starting a business is your logo. Although you have options to use an AI logo maker, you can try your hand at DIY-ing a logo in Canva. They have an intuitive user interface that any non-designer can use. Aside from your logo, you can also make social media posts or edit images in a few minutes.

Pricing:

  • Free
  • Canva Pro – $12.99/mo
  • Canva for Teams – $14.99/mo (for 5 people)

10. WordPress

wordpress website screenshot

Your business should have a website, which means also amping up your online presence. While social media can be a channel to do that, a website can solidify your business’s existence. Plus, it could be advantageous to your business, especially if your competitors aren’t online yet.

WordPress has been one of the best tools for entrepreneurs for almost 20 years. And it’s still a trusted platform for creating websites and blogs. One of the great things about WordPress is you don’t need development or design experience to create websites. You can customize their themes and use plugins for your blogs, appointments, and eCommerce needs.

Pricing (billed annually):

  • Free
  • Personal – $4/mo
  • Premium – $8/mo
  • Business – $25/mo
  • eCommerce – $45/mo

Final Thoughts

You don’t need fancy-schmancy tools when launching your business. Even with these basic tools, you can be productive and attend all of your important meetings. With this in mind, you can have a great beginning to your entrepreneurial journey in 2023. 

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Explained: What Is the Deeper Connect Pico and How Does It Work?

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With more and more internet users putting a premium on privacy, Deeper Connect Pico has been earning attention.

The palm-sized gadget promises to decentralize privacy, perfect for home and entertainment. But is it worth the investment? In this post, we unpack what the Deeper Connect Pico is, how it works, who it’s for, and why it might be the next must-have tool in your tech lineup.

What Is the Deeper Connect Pico?

Deeper Connect Pico is a pocket-sized decentralized private network (DPN) router that lets users access Wi-Fi securely from anywhere.

Because of their global private network, users can save costs on sites like Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, and more. It also offers an ad-free experience.

deeper connect pico benefits
Screenshot from Deeper’s website

Next, because a user will maintain a node or entry point to the decentralized network, a user of a Deeper Connect Pico can actually make money from owning the hardware. 

In fact, it can be used as an alternative to other crypto miners like MXC miner, RAK miners, or helium miners. To sum it up, besides being a secure way to access the internet, it is also an energy-efficient crypto mining device. In fact, most Deeper Connect Pico review online are from crypto miners. 

How Does the Deeper Connect Pico Work?

As a blockchain-powered device, the Deeper Connect Pico hinges on other users as entry points.  It is unlike a regular VPN, where users are clients of a private service provider.

Instead, the Deeper Connect network lets a user connect to the internet through nodes run by fellow users across the globe. Here, nodes are entry points, usually the home IP addresses of users. 

deeper connect pico product photo
Screenshot from Deeper’s website

To use the device, simply plug in the antenna attachment that comes with the product and plug it into a power source. This can be a charging outlet, a power bank, or even another device. The light should turn red, signalling that it is on. 

Because it does not have a central server, Deeper encrypts your user access logs, making it more secure than other options.

Key Benefits of Using Deeper Connect Pico

Unlike other VPN services, the device is only purchased once, so users do not need to pay a subscription fee. This makes it a good choice for people who want to save money. 

The Deeper Connect Pico’s strongest feature is its enterprise-level network security. Because of this, filtering internet ads and tracking features are easier. Besides this, it can also identify and block cyberattacks.

deeper connect pico product features
Screenshot from Deeper’s website

Furthermore, it also has strong geo-unblocking features. This is helpful for people who live in countries where access to certain social media platforms is limited. This could also be helpful for people who want to save subscription costs on sites like Netflix, which have adjusted rates in certain regions. 

Finally, it comes in a travel-friendly size that makes it handy to bring around on trips. Plus, it provides coverage for living spaces of 1500 square feet. That said, you can use it to connect to public WiFi when traveling without worrying about the risk.

With a max local speed of 100 Mbps, the hardware can support multiple devices at the same time. In fact, it supports 4K video playback on five devices at the same time. Plus, according to their website, Deeper’s private network has over 200K servers. 

Price 

Compared to other products by Deeper, the Pico is in the middle price range. The Deeper Connect Pico price is at $199, although it is currently on sale for $129. In turn, the Deeper Connect Pico Lite costs $119

 Meanwhile, the more travel-friendly option, Deeper Connect Air, retails for $210

On the flip side, there’s also the Deeper Connect Mini, a new router product that costs $229. It has a 1 Gbps speed and a 7-layer firewall. 

Use Cases and Who It’s For

Deeper Connect Pico is good for frequent travelers who want to safely use the Wi-Fi in airports, cafes, and lounges. It is a solid choice for people concerned with cybersecurity and privacy. Plus, it is a solid option for people who want an ad-free experience on their web and mobile devices. 

It has an easy plug-and-play setup, which makes it great for people on the go

It is also great for people who want to bypass IP trackers to access streaming sites like Netflix.

Besides this, though, Deeper Connect Pico can also be used to mine crypto with ease. It is a great product for crypto miners as users only buy the hardware once. 

Limitations and Considerations

People who want to invest in Deeper Connect Pico usually use it to mine cryptocurrency. If you are not particular about whether you want to use a centralized or decentralized private network, then you might find a limited difference between this device and a normal VPN service provider. 

One consideration users should have when using the device is the bandwidth sharing. This might not bother users who have good internet to begin with, but it might bother others more. The feature, though, can be disabled. 

Apart from this, you might also notice slightly reduced internet speeds.

Deeper Connect Pico Amazon review articles are a mix online. Most rave about the device, but some mention that the network does not work. Others also raise that they cannot get some features, like the Wi-Fi adaptor, to work. 

If you compare the Deeper Connect Pico vs Air, the latter has more Mbps capacity and is lighter. 

Final Thoughts

The Deeper Connect Pico is a bold experiment in decentralized internet access, wrapped in a sleek, palm-sized shell. It’s best for:

  • Privacy-conscious users
  • Frequent flyers
  • Crypto enthusiasts
  • Casual streamers looking to save on subscriptions

If you’re any or all of the descriptions above, then the Pico offers real value. Its one-time purchase model, combined with built-in ad-blocking and mining capabilities, makes it stand out in a sea of subscription-based VPNs and traditional routers.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re expecting blazing-fast speeds or a plug-and-forget experience like with mainstream VPN apps, you may need to lower your expectations. The device still relies on bandwidth sharing and user-managed nodes, which can sometimes mean inconsistent performance.

But for those willing to explore a new way of connecting—and earning—the Deeper Connect Pico could be a surprisingly powerful tool in your digital toolkit.

And if you want to get more news and stories, read more here at Owner’s Mag!

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Technology

8 Popular Mobile Payment Systems

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credit card terminal

Offering customers multiple payment solutions is another way to make them choose you over your competitors. Since the world has started this online shift to everything, people prefer convenience via mobile phones. Mobile payment solutions make shopping and paying effortless. If you’re wondering what online payment systems you can offer, we’ve listed the top mobile payment options in this article.

What is a Mobile Payment Solution?

mta metrocards

A mobile payment solution is a payment system people use on their mobile phones. They use smartphones or other cellular phones to pay for products or services. It’s a more convenient, efficient, and faster payment solution since you no longer have to bring cash or change customers’ payments. This type of payment option also means customers pay directly to your account, allowing you to transfer the funds to your bank if the app permits. 

These mobile phones will require the corresponding app or software to enable mobile payment solutions. Some are also done via SMS, depending on the network. Some apps also require users to connect their credit or debit card so people can use the app to pay, and the funds are deducted from the credit card. These apps are called “peer-to-peer” mobile payment apps. 

What are the 5 Types of Mobile Payment Systems?

mobile payment system

Business owners can choose from five payment options. While each solution is unique, all alternatives offer a convenient way of transferring money from end to end. 

1. SMS payments

SMS payments refer to payments made through your local cellular network to another. This means a user transfers money by sending it through another person’s number. In most cases, this is only used locally since most can’t transfer from one mobile number to an international mobile number.

2. Mobile wallet

This is another common form of mobile payment. To make a mobile payment, apps like Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, or Google Pay must be installed on portable gadgets like tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, or computers. Most of these apps are linked to credit cards, debit cards, or bank accounts.

3. Mobile peer-to-peer

A mobile peer-to-peer payment system is another efficient solution if you cater to global customers. Some examples are PayPal, CashApp, and Venmo, and most of these accept all business retailers, big or small. 

4. Mobile eCommerce

Mobile eCommerce is also the most commonly used online payment system. This is when a user makes a transaction online from a browser or a seller’s app or webpage and completes the transaction by inputting their credit card details. Users who pay from a mobile wallet or accelerated checkout systems like Shop Pay are also under the umbrella of mobile eCommerce. 

5. Mobile POS (Point of sale)

This payment type refers to paying for products or services using your credit card by swiping it on a terminal or chip reader. You can also use your mobile phone by tapping it on the terminal via QR codes. 

Benefits of Mobile Payments

money

Most businesses accept mobile payments nowadays due to their security and convenience. While paying cash offers a more secure transaction since you only have to hand the cash to the cashier, online app payments are equipped with robust security measures. On top of that, here are some benefits of mobile payment solutions:

  • Security: Mobile payments require authentication to proceed. This can be done via passcodes, OTPs, fingerprints, or facial recognition. 
  • Speed: Mobile payments can be made in the blink of an eye, making mobile checkout or online shopping easier.
  • Convenience: Customers prefer mobile payments because they no longer have to bring cash or find the nearest ATM to withdraw. All they need is connectivity and their portable gadgets. 
  • Popular: Your business shouldn’t lag behind competitors. It’s no surprise that more and more brands are expanding their online payment systems. Mobile payments are beneficial, especially if your audience is younger. 

8 Top Mobile Payment Systems

person looking at a smartphone

Here are the eight best mobile payment systems you can look into. 

1. Apple Pay

Apple Pay would be appropriate for Apple devices. You can make contactless payments when you make in-app purchases. Apple Pay uses a unique account number, and customers get a security code for every transaction. 

2. Google Pay

Android users can also pay via Google Pay. You can pay via NFC in-store, online, or within apps. Google Pay integrates with most Google apps, letting users enjoy loyalty card management, ticket storage, and money transfers. 

3. Samsung Pay

Samsung Pay is suitable for both NFC transfers and magnetic stripe terminals. This payment mode is also secured with tokenization, biometrics, and Samsung Knox. 

4. PayPal

PayPal is another online payment system that allows peer-to-peer money transfers. It’s easy to send, receive, and manage transactions with PayPal. PayPal also links with credit cards and bank accounts and is mainly linked to various eCommerce websites. 

5. Venmo

Owned by PayPal, Venmo is another mobile payment system for peer-to-peer transfers. It works similarly to PayPal and lets users buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies. 

6. Zelle

If you’re from the U.S., Zelle is the app for sending money between bank accounts. This platform is integrated into most U.S. mobile banking apps. It lets you send money instantly using a mobile phone number or email.

7. Square Cash

Also known as the Cash App, Square lets you send and receive money and even invest in stocks and Bitcoin. 

8. Alipay

This mobile payment system is for online payments, financial services, and in-store purchases. Alipay is also widely used in China. Users link their credit, debit, and bank accounts to make payments through NFC, QR codes, or in-app purchases. 

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Technology

Tech Layoff from the Top Tech Companies in 2024

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laptop

While tech companies exhibited their hiring spree during the pandemic to meet online demand, this year leans toward workforce reduction. Most tech juggernauts are looking at AI initiatives for some work processes. This begs the question—are tech experts’ skills in danger of being replaced by faster and more cost-efficient AI tools and platforms? Even the tech tycoon Google continues to lay off thousands of employees. And while tech experts and professionals enjoy Google’s office amenities, these tech layoffs make them ponder: How long will this enjoyment last? Here are some of the top tech company layoffs in 2024. 

1. Dell

Dell logo

Dell Technologies, a computer manufacturer, has laid off about 12,500 employees, constituting 10 percent of the company’s workforce. The company claims it’s part of a “sales and marketing reorganization” that will center on AI services. But this isn’t the first time the company has had a significant layoff. They also cut off about 6,000 workers last February 2023. This restructuring intends to streamline operations and processes, boosting efficiency. This way, the brand can evolve and adapt to a changing and growing market. 

Research Chief Analyst Dave Vellante said, “It’s unlikely the number is that high because that would typically trigger an SEC filing.”

2. Intel

Intel

Intel embarked on a cost-saving plan, a good move for the company in 2025. However, this will mean job losses for 15 percent of its workforce. Laying off about 15,000 employees will save the company $10 billion in 2025. While it’s the estimated number, it may go up to 19,000 out of Intel’s 125,000 employees. The company representatives said it would restructure to stop “non-essential work.” Although the company hit product milestones in Q2 this year, they are still down in the mouth over the loss of $1.6 billion by the end of Q2. 

Representatives said they will “reduce layers, eliminate overlapping areas of responsibility, stop non-essential work.”

3. Qualcomm

Qualcomm

Qualcomm, a company that manufactures software, semiconductors, and other services that pertain to wireless technology, plans to lay off 1,258 employees by December of this year. These employees will mostly be in their Santa Clar and San Diego branches. The company will cut off positions like analysts, software developers, engineers, legal, finance, and human resources. Qualcomm had a 23 percent drop in revenue and a 52 percent drop in net income during Q2 this year.

Palkhiwala said, “Until we see sustained signs of improving fundamentals, our operating framework does not assume an immediate recovery.”

4. Jam City

Jam City logo

Jam City is a video game developer and publisher also in for the 2024 tech layoffs. The company has reported to cut 85 employees. And while this number isn’t as shocking as the others on this list, it constitutes 10 percent of their workforce. This is also the second time the game developer laid off its employees, with its first in 2022, letting go of 17 percent of its workforce. Jam City is the genius behind games such as Disney Emoji Blitz, Jurassic World Alive, and DC Heroes and Villains. Some gaming analysts predict an upward trend for this niche in 2024. 

However, Jam City CEO said, “While we have seen moderate improvements in some areas, the overall upward trend has not materialised as expected.”

5. Microsoft 

Microsoft logo

Microsoft also swooped another round of layoffs in multiple departments from various locations. Although the company didn’t disclose the exact number of layoffs, these employees included roles in program and product management. The company confirms this is part of the “regular organizational adjustments” to focus on strategic growth areas. This isn’t the first time the tech company has done a significant layoff. They also cut off around 2,000 employees in January 2024, particularly in the gaming departments, HoloLens, and Azure Cloud divisions.

A Microsoft representative stated, Organizational and workforce adjustments are a necessary and regular part of managing our business.” 

6. EBay

eBay logo

The online shopping brand eBay is also joining the layoffs this year. EBay is cutting off around a thousand employees, accounting for nine percent of its full-time workforce. Jamie Iannone, eBay CEO, announced these changes, stating that the brand is prioritizing more sustainable long-term growth. He said that the number of employees and expenses outpaced the company’s growth. He also noted that employees were encouraged to work from home, so they have the needed space during this challenging period.

CEO and President Jamie Iannone said, “We have to say goodbye to people who have made so many important contributions to the eBay community and culture, and this isn’t easy.”

7. Twitch

twitch logo

Another popular live-streaming platform, Twitch, joins the tech layoffs bandwagon. Amazon’s Twitch cuts 35 percent of its employees, resulting in hundreds of employees scrambling to find job replacements. Twitch CEO Dan Clancy announced that it would have to cut off over 500 people across all departments and claims this is for sustainability in business operations. Although Twitch earns from multiple revenues, such as ads and subscriptions, it’s reported that the company is still unprofitable for nine years. 

Clancy stated, “Unfortunately, we still have work to do to rightsize our company, and I regret having to share that we are taking the painful step of reducing our headcount by just over 500 people across Twitch.” 

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