Small businesses are the heartbeat of the American economy, driving 40% of economic activity and employing nearly half the workforce. Yet, many entrepreneurs struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change. In fact, 73% of small businesses admit to lacking basic knowledge of digital tools, according to the US Chamber of Commerce. This gap not only stifles growth but leaves them vulnerable in an increasingly digital world.
For small businesses struggling to bridge this divide, Miguel Rocha has become a key ally. With degrees in Physics and Finance, Rocha brings a rare combination of analytical thinking and technological innovation. His mission is clear — to simplify operations, cut costs, and transform technology from a barrier into a growth enabler for small businesses.
“Technology is progressing at an ever-increasing speed, and adapting to this competitive environment is a must,” Rocha explains. He recognizes that the cost and complexity of modern technological tools are major obstacles for small businesses. One of Rocha’s standout contributions is UnItrade, a platform designed to provide students entering the workforce with practical finance experience without risking real money. This feature significantly reduces costs and time spent in training new hires and thus reduces the barrier to entry for both students and firms in recruiting skilled staff. It also makes technology more accessible to new users, thanks to its intuitive design. Rocha’s approach doesn’t stop at simplifying processes — it also boosts individual productivity, driving efficiency across organizations.
Rocha’s focus on operational efficiency is also evident in his past work. While working in logistics shortly after completing his bachelor’s degree, Rocha identified a significant inefficiency: manually categorizing items took up an entire day, leaving little time for more critical thinking tasks. “I created a program that could categorize the items automatically, reducing a day’s work to just one minute,” he recalls. This simple innovation increased efficiency by 5%, saving time and reducing human error. Rocha’s ability to pinpoint and solve these kinds of problems is a testament to his commitment to improving processes that allow small businesses to scale.
Rocha also champions the use of advanced analytics to turn data into actionable insights. He believes small businesses can gain a competitive edge by training employees in data management and providing visualization tools to make insights more accessible. Rocha aims to provide ready-to-use automation solutions for small businesses across all industries to help them derive real value from data. Rocha further asserts that automation is no less than a tool for survival for small businesses to help them cut costs and boost productivity in a dynamic and innovative economy like the U.S.
Looking to the future, Rocha sees automation as a key driver of small business success. “Automation is crucial for small businesses to reduce costs and enhance productivity,” he says. In an economy that demands constant innovation, automation can help businesses keep pace with larger competitors while improving overall performance. Rocha is dedicated to making automation tools more accessible, particularly through software that businesses can adopt without the need for extensive training or technical expertise.
In the next decade, Rocha believes emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI, and advanced data analytics will reshape how small businesses operate and compete. These innovations promise to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency, which are crucial factors for businesses looking to build sustainable growth. However, Rocha’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Simplicity is key. Focus on solving a small problem first; otherwise, you may become overwhelmed.” By tackling one issue at a time, entrepreneurs can gain the experience and confidence needed to expand and make a larger impact.
Miguel Rocha aims to provide small businesses across America with the right technological tools so they can remain competitive. He hopes to help small businesses thrive and fuel economic growth. His work is helping level the playing field, ensuring that businesses — no matter their size — can thrive in a tech-driven future.
Jordan French is the Founder and Executive Editor of Grit Daily Group , encompassing Financial Tech Times, Smartech Daily, Transit Tomorrow, BlockTelegraph, Meditech Today, High Net Worth magazine, Luxury Miami magazine, CEO Official magazine, Luxury LA magazine, and flagship outlet, Grit Daily. The champion of live journalism, Grit Daily’s team hails from ABC, CBS, CNN, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Forbes, Fox, PopSugar, SF Chronicle, VentureBeat, Verge, Vice, and Vox. An award-winning journalist, he was on the editorial staff at TheStreet.com and a Fast 50 and Inc. 500-ranked entrepreneur with one sale. Formerly an engineer and intellectual-property attorney, his third company, BeeHex, rose to fame for its “3D printed pizza for astronauts” and is now a military contractor. A prolific investor, he’s invested in 50+ early stage startups with 10+ exits through 2023.
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