Empowering Small Businesses: How Digital Tools Spark Growth and Community Impact

For small businesses, digital tools are no longer “nice to have” – they’re essential. From online storefronts to payment platforms to automated bookkeeping, digital systems help you save time, reach more customers and build resilience.

And when small businesses thrive, their communities do, too. Stronger local businesses mean stronger local economies, more jobs, and more opportunities for neighbors to support one another. 

Here’s how digital upgrades can boost both your growth and your community presence:

• Create a mobile-friendly website that showcases your brand and products
• Claim and maintain local listings (Google, Yelp) to help customers find you 
• Use social platforms to engage your community and promote local events

Use our Business Checking Accounts to separate business finances from personal ones while launching new channels like e-commerce.

• Accept contactless, mobile, and online payments to meet customer preferences
• Add online ordering or appointment scheduling for convenience
• Use email and SMS reminders to stay connected with customers

Merchant Services make it simple to accept secure payments online and in person. 

• Adopt digital tools to manage inventory, invoices, and payroll
• Automate recurring tasks so you can focus on customers
• Track key data like cash flow, profit margins, and sales trends
• Combine Business Credit Cards and Cash Management tools to simplify spending and track your business performance.

• Use digital marketing to tell your story and highlight community involvement
• Promote partnerships with local nonprofits or schools
• Host hybrid events (in-person and online) to expand your reach

Explore free learning modules in the Business Education Portal for marketing, branding, and financial planning guidance.

Neighborhood Café – A café added mobile ordering and digital payments, which sped up service and increased orders during lunch hours. Revenue jumped 35% and they hired two more local employees. 

Family Landscaping Business – After completing an online marketing course, the owners used social media ads to target nearby neighborhoods. Bookings rose by 40% and they expanded their service area.

1. Pick one area to digitize (payments, marketing, scheduling, or bookkeeping)
2. Enroll in a short online course or local workshop
3. Introduce one new tool this month and train your team
4. Track results: sales, time saved, or customer feedback
5. Expand slowly and celebrate your progress
   
   

Here are some ways you can get started:

• Open a Business Checking Account to manage your funds
• Set up Merchant Services to accept more payment types
• Explore the Business Education Portal for training and planning tools

Stronger Businesses Create Stronger Communities

Digital tools help small businesses do more than operate efficiently. They empower them to uplift the neighborhoods they call home. With the right support, your growth becomes your community’s growth.

At M&T Bank, we’re here to help you build both.