Throughout my years of covering small businesses, I’ve often seen big companies promise unwavering support to entrepreneurs when launching new products and services. While some companies stick to these promises, many don’t, leaving business owners searching for other valuable and affordable solutions. Fortunately, not every corporation fails to keep its word, and Zoho Corporation is a prime example of one that hasn’t. Founded in 1996 by Sridhar Vembu, Zoho remains true to its entrepreneurial roots even after 27 years. This dedication likely drives Zoho’s consistent innovation and assistance for small businesses of all sizes. As around five million businesses are started yearly, many entrepreneurs need help turning their ideas into reality.
In recent months, Zoho has introduced several new products targeting mid-sized businesses, small business owners, freelancers, and solopreneurs. With over 60 business apps available, Zoho scales its offerings to grow with its customers. Although expanding to the mid-market, Zoho remains committed to small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs.
My podcast co-host, Brian Moran, and I had a discussion with Zoho’s Chief Evangelist, Raju Vegesna, to discuss some of these new offerings. One such product, Zia, short for Zoho Intelligent Assistant, has been in development for years. With the enhancement of generative AI, Zia has become more integrated within Zoho’s CRM program, providing extensive support for small businesses. Vegesna explains that Zia can assist in creating email templates, checklists, ad copy, and content rephrasing, making it a versatile tool that boosts productivity for businesses that lack resources compared to large corporations.
Currently, Zia is embedded within about 14 Zoho products, with plans for more integrations. Zoho Solo, another innovative product, is currently available in private beta for U.S. and Canadian users. It’s perfect for solopreneurs and freelancers who juggle multiple apps on mobile devices. Vegesna points out that Zoho aims to offer a comprehensive package that consolidates customer-facing activities and back-office tasks into one app.
Another Zoho product, Ulaa, is a free browser for major platforms, focusing on user privacy. Unlike most browsers relying on ad-based models, Ulaa doesn’t track personal information, promising a fast browsing experience with substantial productivity enhancements. Users can switch between different modes like personal or work, and the browser includes tools like a translation engine.
Zoho Start is there to help small business owners with the business formation process, like applying for Employer Identification Numbers (EIN). When fully launched, Zoho Start will be available to support LLC formation state by state, beginning in Texas and then moving to California. It also offers access to other Zoho tools like Zoho Books for finance management, Zoho Domains for web URLs, Zoho Sites for website creation, and Zoho Mail for business emails.
Zoho’s comprehensive suite means small business owners focus more on growing their business rather than managing tools. In public beta for U.S. residents, Zoho Start starts with Texas and soon California.
More apps like Zoho Publish, currently in beta, allow businesses to post details on services like Google Maps and respond to reviews. Zoho Tables, also in beta, is the next step from spreadsheets to apps, offering functionality with simplicity. Zoho One provides access to over 40 apps for small businesses, simplifying operations significantly.
Vegesna emphasizes Zoho as a "peace of mind" service, ensuring entrepreneurs focus on growth without stressing about tool selection. Zoho remains dedicated to empowering businesses through every growth stage, supporting entrepreneurs in their journey.
