Comprising a staggering 350 to 400 million businesses globally, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) represent the backbone of every community and the lifeblood of the global economy. They account for a remarkable 90% of all businesses and contribute approximately 44% of the world's gross domestic product (GDP).
While recent years have presented challenges for SMBs, the sector also exhibits significant growth potential and abundant opportunities. The pandemic era, surprisingly, witnessed a surge in SMB creation, exceeding levels not seen since 2005. This growth wasn't solely driven by necessity; many entrepreneurs seized the chance to become their bosses, develop innovative products and services, and carve their path to success.
Microsoft is dedicated to empowering SMBs via products that facilitate customer acquisition and business scaling, even amidst economic challenges. This commitment extends across diverse business models, encompassing established brick-and-mortar establishments and burgeoning technology startups.
Assisting small businesses to do more with less
Today's economic climate demands growth alongside cost control for businesses of all sizes. Microsoft 365 offers a centralized solution: leverage familiar tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams to streamline operations, reduce expenses, and maintain productivity.
All-in-one solution for small businesses
Small businesses have traditionally struggled to juggle multiple software solutions that weren't quite right for them. This highlights the need for a tailored, all-in-one solution.
A recent Microsoft-commissioned Forrester study found that nearly 65% of small businesses prefer bundled software packages to meet their diverse needs.
Microsoft 365 addresses this by offering a unified cloud experience. It empowers employees to work remotely while reducing costs and administrative burdens. This secure and economical solution includes the tools small businesses need to grow, reach new customers, and collaborate seamlessly – all from anywhere.
Enabling SMBs to create documents, meet, call, chat, and connect
Microsoft 365 streamlines your workflow by providing a suite of familiar applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These tools empower you to create professional documents that reflect your brand identity, seamlessly share them with colleagues and clients, and ensure secure cloud storage for easy access.
Today, Microsoft 365 is a game-changer for small businesses. It fosters efficient communication and collaboration within your team and with customers, all housed within a single platform. Utilize Teams to chat instantly, host real-time online meetings and video calls, manage schedules and appointments, and leverage professional email capabilities with Outlook.
Cybersecurity is a growing concern for small businesses, often lacking dedicated IT staff. Microsoft 365 offers peace of mind with built-in security features that safeguard your devices and data from cyber threats. Access control and email protection are just some of the safeguards included in the package. Microsoft 365 Business Premium takes security a step further with advanced features, ensuring comprehensive protection while minimizing IT complexities. This allows you to run your business confidently, knowing your data is secure.
Moving forward
Our mission is to help you succeed via Microsoft. That's why we're proud to offer a comprehensive suite of business apps and tools designed to empower small and medium businesses to launch, grow, and operate securely with ease.
Explore our latest solutions tailored for your needs:
Microsoft Defender for Business: Run your business with confidence from anywhere, knowing you're protected by a comprehensive security solution.
Microsoft Teams Essentials: Foster seamless communication and collaboration with an affordable, professional meeting solution designed specifically for small businesses.
Small Business Help and Learning Center: Get the most out of your Microsoft 365 subscription with setup guides, helpful tips, templates, and resources to navigate the hybrid work landscape.
Start exploring today and unlock the full potential of your business!
Data Resources
Small & medium-sized enterprises, National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights, The Danish Institute for Human Rights.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Finance, World Bank.
Annual Report of the Office of Economic Research, FY 2019, US Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy. January 2021.
How the Small Business Sector Has Grown Throughout the Pandemic, Jeanette Mulvey, Neil Bradley. October 21, 2021.
Meeting the Changing Software Technology Needs of SMBs, Forrester Consulting. September 2022.