Work smarter. Automate more. Grow with systems. In this tactical, high-energy session, A.J. MacQuarrie (https://kghq.app/) walks small business owners through the journey of an entrepreneur building a modern business — showing exactly how 22 powerful (and practical) tech tools/tips can streamline operations, generate leads, and scale without hiring a massive team.
This isn’t theory. It’s a hands-on walkthrough of the modern small-business tech stack — simplified.
What You’ll Learn:
✔ The core tech stack every small business actually needs (and what you can skip)
✔ Automations that can save 10–20+ hours per week
✔ How to build a professional backend using simple, affordable tools
✔ AI shortcuts that create real leverage
✔ Systems that turn chaos into clarity
✔ How to generate more leads using smart digital and content workflows
Who This Is For:
✔ Small business owners feeling overwhelmed by tech
✔ Founders stuck doing everything manually
✔ Service providers ready to scale
✔ Entrepreneurs who want structure without corporate bloat
What Makes This Different:
Instead of listing random apps, A.J. takes the audience through a story: A small business owner starts overwhelmed — juggling emails, spreadsheets, leads, and content. By the end of the session, that small business owner has:
✔ A CRM managing pipeline
✔ Automated follow-up sequences
✔ A content engine powered by AI
✔ A clean task management system
✔ Reporting dashboards that show real performance
✔ A backend that feels organized, scalable, and investor-ready
The Outcome:
Attendees leave knowing not just what tools exist, but how they fit together.
Participants will walk away with:
✔ A clear tech roadmap
✔ Immediate tools they can implement tomorrow
✔ Confidence in making smarter tech decisions
✔ A systemized foundation for growth
All using practical, affordable tools — many with free or low-cost options.
Presenter(s)
A.J. MacQuarrie is an entrepreneur, speaker, and author who has been through it all, from the highs of building a multi-million dollar business, to the lows of sitting in bankruptcy court next to people who invested their savings- and their trust- in that business. With a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, A.J. launched KGHQ to help business owners spark growth, build on ideas, and take action through affordable marketing, virtual assistance, and outbound outreach services. He is the former CEO of KarmaBox Vending, one of the world’s first healthy vending companies that expanded to over 80 cities across the United States in just 3.5 years. A.J. obtained his MBA from Boston University and lives in the Boston area with his life-loving partner, feisty Scottish Terrier, and adorable Frenchie.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Full funding disclosures are available at https://nysbdc.org/funding-disclosures.
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