Designing Scalable IT Solutions to Drive Small Business Excellence and Economic Growth

Small businesses play a very vital role in the economy of any country. They help to create more job opportunities, foster innovations and help entrepreneurs thrive in the business sector. Thereby, contributing to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The advantages of small businesses cannot be overemphasized. However, they face huge challenges and problems that may hinder or affect their growth and progress leading some to fold and others not to make profit. Some of these challenges include Operational efficiencies, limited access to technology, small customer base etc.
This study investigates the role of scalable IT solutions aimed at proffering solutions to these challenges. Helping them to grow in the competitive markets, enhance their customer engagement and also optimize business processes. Using mixedmethod approach, data was taken from 30 small business owners. The quantitative data showed 63% of respondents have adopted cloud computing and has led to an increase in competitiveness, 67% noted that data analytics is an efficient tool helping to improve their business operations, but would require training to get this skill. Similarly, this same report was peculiar with Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP), Digital marketing and Cybersecurity with 63%, 73%, 47% respectively. By embracing scalable IT solutions, offering digital literacy programs for entrepreneurs and small business owners, they will thrive in the business sector and will contribute significantly to the growth of their economy.