Undiscovered Maine

According to “spaculus.com software, “All Connected”,

“Today, digital transformation is essential for survival and growth. Cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation are no longer futuristic investments reserved for larger corporations; they’re fundamental components to running a modern business.

For SMBs, the latest technologies give them the flexibility and scalability to level the playing field. For instance, cloud-based solutions allow SMBs to access enterprise-level resources without having to invest in high-end servers. Similarly, AI-driven tools can help businesses analyze data, predict customer needs, and optimize workflows at blindingly fast rates. If companies don’t take advantage of the latest tech trends, they give up their competitive edge and fall behind their competitors.”

“In 2025, the field of digital transformation showcases an unprecedented adoption rate, with over 94% of organizations engaging in various digital initiatives, emphasizing the pervasive nature of digitization across industries (Source: Gartner). This shift is further underscored by the fact that a mere 18% of businesses find themselves without any dependency on digital operations or products, highlighting the widespread integration of digital technologies into the core of organizational processes (Source: Forrester). (Veritis)

To stay competitive, small businesses need to adopt automation, AI, cloud-based technologies, data analytics, cybersecurity, and more.

A few resources include:

• National Digital Equity Center: “The National Digital Equity Center provides communities at all levels the expertise to mobilize broadband technologies through digital inclusion, literacy efforts, education, resource planning, funding research, infrastructure leveraging and stakeholder engagement.”
• Maine State Library: This website (about half-way down the page) provides some online resources on how to start a business, legal issues, health insurance, etc.
• This article discusses technologies that every small business should consider using.
• Microsoft has a basic online digital literacy course to help you learn things like computer basics, the Internet, the Cloud, useful software tools and more.
  • Make your service more convenient for your customers – online booking systems and cyber meetings
  • Doing business in the cloud – what are the benefits/ challenges?
  • Automate your bookkeeping using WAVE/ SQUARE-UP
  • Improve your marketing and promotion using online tools like CANVA, EVENTBRITE and MAILCHIMPA recent article from Business foundations said, ”
    “Digital literacy 101 – How to Create, Connect and Contribute online
    Ensure your business can be found online in several simple steps
• An overview of G-Suite – professional apps from Google to make running your business easier”
• “Web Site Creation: Click here for information on how to build your own website.
• If you are a small business, be sure to register your business with the FREE Google Business platform. This will provide incredibly valuable exposure on Google!