A successful business starts with the right foundations and tools.
Starting a small business often comes with a long wish list including expensive software, fancy equipment, and tools for small business owners you’re told you must have before you begin. The truth? Most successful small businesses start with a simple, considered starter pack made up of practical items, accessible programs and a few tools to boost your confidence.
If you’re building a business from home, on the side of a 9–5 or finally going all-in on your idea, use this blog post as your small business starter pack. We’ve compiled a list of tools for small business owners that genuinely make a difference.
Create a functional and considered workspace
A solid workspace is the first piece of any successful small business starter pack. This doesn’t need to be a Pinterest-perfect office, but it does need to be intentional. A desk, table or bench that’s just for your business helps separate work from life and puts you in the right headspace. If you create physical products, this space becomes your studio, where you make, pack, photograph and plan. Good lighting, a comfortable chair and easy access to your tools will save you time and energy!
Invest in a high-quality phone
Your phone is one of your most powerful business tools, and one of the most underrated tools. A high-quality phone camera can handle product photos, social media content, behind-the-scenes videos and even website imagery. Paired with natural light and a little editing, your phone can produce content that looks polished and professional without the cost of a DSLR.
Stability matters: think tripods and gimbals
To take that content up a level, stability is key. A tripod or gimbal is one of those underrated purchases that quickly becomes essential. It allows you to film hands-free, batch content, take consistent product shots and show up on camera confidently, even if you’re running the business solo.
Start using user-friendly design tools
Design is another area where many new business owners feel stuck, but it remains one of the most important tools for small business owners. This is where programs like Canva shine. Canva acts as your in-house designer, giving you access to templates for social posts, stories, flyers, logos, website banners and more.
Similar to Canva, try Adobe Express for more creative control while still being beginner-friendly, making it ideal for businesses ready to level up their visuals without diving into complex software. If branding feels overwhelming, AI-powered tools like Looka or Brandmark can help generate logos, colour palettes and font pairings that create a consistent look across your business.
It helps your business look cohesive from day one, even if you have zero design background.
Accounting integrations that keep your finances in check
Behind the scenes, accounting and bookkeeping software like Xero and MYOB Business play a huge role in keeping small businesses organised and compliant. These tools help track income and expenses, manage invoices, monitor cash flow, without guesswork.
You can easily integrate your Little Big Shop with Xero or MYOB Business, making it easier to sync sales data, reduce manual admin and keep your finances up to date. Find out more here.
Your digital storefront:
Take your business online with Little Big Shop
If you’re taking your business online, having a central place where customers can find you is no longer optional, it’s an essential part of a modern small business starter pack. Start your own Little Big Shop for a professional online presence where you can sell your products, tell your story and build trust with customers.
Little Big Shop is an ecommerce website builder designed specifically for small business owners. It allows you to create your own online store, list products, manage orders, update content and make changes to your website without needing technical skills or a developer. You can edit your site on desktop or mobile, making it easy to keep your business up to date as you grow.
Discover what you can do with Little Big Shop by checking out our stunning website examples. Read all about Bec, who took her jewellery business online with Little Big Shop, here.
By focusing on the essential tools, resources, and systems that help you create, plan and sell, you set yourself up for growth from day one. Whether it’s a dedicated workspace, reliable tech, design tools, or an online presence through platforms like Little Big Shop, each element of your starter pack plays a role in helping your business thrive. Start with the essentials, take consistent action and watch your ideas turn into a thriving, successful business.
