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Leveraging blockchain: A new era for small business innovation

Small businesses, which typically place a premium on efficiency and quality of service to customers, may find blockchain to be an ideal platform for financial transactions and even capital raising. While many smaller businesses may assume that only major corporations can afford to engage expensive engineers to implement cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, the reality is that a company of any size may benefit from incorporating this innovative technology into its operations.

The use of blockchain technology is not limited to internet enterprises. Blockchain technology is already being used by brick-and-mortar businesses, including cafes, gyms, nail salons, bakers, and repair shops.

Let’s have a look at some of the advantages blockchain gives business owners that are looking to grow their companies:

Uniquely distinct from prior payment forms

The first step a company may take in adopting blockchain technology is to accept cryptocurrency payments. Offering Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency payment options shows a deeper dedication to the blockchain.

Due to the fact that conventional merchant services are not prepared to deal with Bitcoin, the deployment will necessitate extensive planning and testing. Thus, in order to accept Bitcoin payments, a small business must either prepare for and budget for a digital wallet, a merchant gateway, or a combination of the two.

Also Read: Understanding the role of fintech, blockchain in transitioning to net zero

There are a number of advantages for businesses that use blockchain currency. A customer’s perception of your business could improve if you accept this type of payment. With cryptocurrency, companies may avoid intermediaries and save money by transacting with customers directly.

Since blockchain transactions are irreversible, customers who wish to request a refund must do so by getting in touch with the company directly. This helps address the problem of chargebacks, which occurs when consumers make purchases but subsequently dispute the charges on their credit cards.

Cost-effective, secure cloud storage

Every year, businesses and consumers spend more than $30 billion on cloud storage. Customers, particularly startups, can use blockchain storage solutions to safely and cheaply archive their data without sacrificing privacy or resources.

The utilisation of smart contracts

Businesses on the blockchain can employ smart contracts, which are effectively self-verifying and self-enforcing contracts. The contract is immutably stored on a distributed ledger or blockchain. Smart contracts can be seen in a variety of business contexts, including commercial leases, vendor agreements, and even employment contracts.

Thanks to smart contracts, even the smallest enterprises may enjoy a level of security that was previously out of their price range. By cutting out the traditional middleman—an attorney—a business can save money via a smart contract.

Also Read: Celebrate World Environment Day: 4 ways blockchain and ReFi are supporting a greener future 

Blockchain technology, globally Ethereum, the first platform to provide support for smart contracts, is one of the most advanced systems for making and processing them.

A funding tool for companies

Thanks to advancements in blockchain technology, startups can now consider Initial Token Offerings (ITOs) as a means of capital raising. In lieu of traditional financial intermediaries like banks, lenders, private equity firms, and crowdfunding platforms, ITOs allow tokens to be freely traded on exchanges. These tokens are similar to a stock or a cut of the profits in a conventional business.

If there is sufficient demand, the company may launch a new cryptocurrency based on the blockchain. This token can be used to invest in the company or project, or it can be used on any of the products or services it represents.

Due to the increasing interest of token investors, ITOs have become a viable alternative to traditional capital raising for businesses of all sizes. Now that these coins may be bought, sold, and traded on exchanges, the public has access to previously unavailable liquidity.

The blockchain paves the way for a new way to establish reliable relationships between parties. Instead of being perceived as a means for people to hide their activities, blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies are increasingly being acknowledged for their usefulness in the realms of privacy and security. Small businesses may be able to leverage the fact that informed customers will likely avoid spending money with a firm that uses blockchain technology as a selling point.

Businesses of all sizes would do well to start using blockchain technology immediately, whether to broaden their payment options or to reassure customers that their information is stored in an immutable record. This is a great way for business owners to increase the safety and efficiency of their operations.

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