9 Ways Homebase Helps New Business Owners

We all need a little help from our friends, but as new business owners? You need it even more. There are so many decisions to make and so much conflicting information out there. But let's face it: not many of us are lucky enough to have friends competent in running their own business, and even if we do, they're probably busy actually doing it, and may not have time to lend a hand. That's where we come in. In this article, we show you all of the ways Homebase can be your new business BFF with its suite of tools that are easy to use, financially accessible, and grow with your business.

Why would a new business even need Homebase?

When you start a new business, it’s totally normal to want to ‘bootstrap’ it and do as much as possible all by yourself. But the sooner you get a helping hand and set up systems to make things run smoother, the sooner your business processes will (hopefully) be easy-breezy. One of the best ways to get that helping hand is by using software built specifically for small businesses like yours. Using business software from day one—or at least close to it—will be one of the best decisions you make because you don’t have to establish an entirely new system of tools when you’re in the growing pains phase. In fact, if you’ve got the right software it will actually help you get through that phase with flying colors. Homebase is more than just a software platform; we’re a solution specifically made to support small business owners like you grow your business without extra stress. Homebase was developed with the unique struggles of new entrepreneurs in mind and simplifies everyday processes for small businesses so you can concentrate on the things that really matter—like dreaming big.

Top 9 ways Homebase helps new business owners

So, how can Homebase help? Let’s dive into the top 9 ways Homebase helps new business owners.

1. Easy-to-use interface

The user-friendly interface of Homebase makes sure that even those business owners who are less tech-savvy can navigate the platform with ease. The intuitive design allows you to quickly create and modify schedules, track employee hours, and keep in touch with your team—all without the need for hours and hours of onboarding and training.

2. Free tools to kickstart your business

What new business isn’t keeping an eye on their bottom line? None that we know of. That’s why Homebase offers a suite of essential tools at no cost. From basic scheduling and time tracking to communication features, these free tools provide a solid foundation for new businesses, allowing you to allocate your resources to other places during your start-up phase. When you’re ready to level up, the Essential plan is also very accessible for small businesses at only $24.95/month per location.

3. Seamless integration of tools

Is there anything more frustrating than trying to connect a whole bunch of tech tools together? How about realizing too late that they aren’t quite doing what they’re supposed to do... Homebase eliminates the hassle of juggling a bunch of apps by seamlessly integrating its suite of tools. From time tracking to timesheets to scheduling, all pieces of the puzzle are in one software platform, working together. Because the tools are all integrated, it makes sure there’s a smooth flow of information and reduces the risk of mistakes that can happen during those late-night payroll sessions.

4. HR compliance support

Staying compliant with ever-changing HR regulations can be a daunting task for new business owners. Luckily, Homebase can help. It eases the burden of compliance by keeping a record of everything from employee breaks, regular hours worked, overtime hours, and payroll reports, This makes it easy for your business to stick to labor laws and regulations. As your business and your team grow, you can also give the Homebase HR team a call to help with any specific questions you may have; we're here to support you every step of the way (even the more complicated ones).

5. Effortless team growth

As your business grows and you bring on a bigger team, Homebase breaks down the process so you don't get overwhelmed. In fact, simplifying the onboarding process is actually a hallmark of Homebase. We provide tools to efficiently assign necessary training materials making sure there’s a smooth transition onto your team. We help you add new employees to the software, streamline onboarding with the ability to sign documents through the app, assign roles and responsibilities, and introduce new hires to the team. With Homebase, scaling your team is a seamless experience.

6. Simplify communication

Homebase can serve as a central hub for communication within your business. With features like announcements and team messaging, we ensure that important information is communicated efficiently. This centralized communication means better coordination, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings, and building a sense of an overall team. Having a team communication tool helps in so many avenues of the business. Does an employee need to swap shifts? They can send a group message. Do you want to communicate some notes for the night shift team? Post a message in the system and get your team to respond to make sure they saw it and are prepared. Even better, having your team able to easily communicate really helps them feel like a team—and teams get things done.

7. Time and attendance tracking

Keeping track of everyone’s hours, and then paying those hours out, can be one of the most time-consuming tasks for business owners. Not with Homebase. We offer a free time clock tool that your employees can use to record their clock-ins and clock-outs. Even better, those clock-ins and clock-outs seamlessly turn into timesheets. Those timesheets are then turned into payroll with the click of a couple of buttons.

8. Schedule your team in less time

The Homebase scheduling tool is for every new business owner who has employees —even if it’s a small team. Homebase's scheduling tool empowers businesses to track employee availability and time off requests, manage shift swaps, and communicate with the entire team. The tool goes beyond basic scheduling by incorporating smart features like schedule templates, which makes the creation of consistent schedules fast, saving both time and effort. An added bonus is the drag-and-drop interface, allowing you to make quick adjustments to accommodate changing needs like shift swaps.

9. Comprehensive reporting

One of the things that can slip through the cracks—or at least takes time to develop a system for—is reporting. Knowing what exactly to keep and for how long can be confusing when you’re starting out. Also, knowing what data points to look at to make sure everything is on track. Homebase takes care of that for you. We go beyond basic data and provide comprehensive reporting features. The platform can generate reports on different aspects of your business, like employee performance, attendance trends, and labor costs. These reports empower new business owners with data-driven insights, which means you can make data-driven decisions for continued growth and success. Homebase also stores all of your timesheets and payroll documents in case the Bureau of Labor and Statistics ever comes knocking on your door looking for records. You can breathe a sigh of relief when you type in some numbers and letters and, poof, everything you need at your fingertips—instead of spending hours diving into filing cabinets. Have we convinced you that Homebase is your new small business best friend yet?

Grow your small business with Homebase from the start

We really do want to help as many small businesses avoid the headaches of getting started and the growing pains that come with success. That also comes with making the very first step of creating your account as easy as possible. Sign up for your free account today and start exploring all of the ways Homebase empowers new business owners.