A new startup hatching out of the M@dison block in downtown Detroit is debuting a software platform focused on helping small firms keep track of their assets and the back-end of their business.
Locqus' first mobile app, Field Manage, helps small service businesses (think skilled trade contractors and mom-and-pop shops like exterminators) track and manage time clocks, scheduling, service times, inventory, quotes, payroll and invoices. It synchronizes most aspects of running a business between devices and employees without the need of separate software packages, so the software platform can be run from the firm's desktop and connect with its employees personal mobile devices. Field Manage can work on iOS, Andriod and other software platforms.
"Most small businesses aren't interested in buying Android or iPhones for their employees," says Sandy Kronenberg, principal of
Locqus. "We needed to support them in that way."
The 1-year-old firm employs nine people who work out of the co-working space of Bizdom at 1528 Woodward.
"Where else would I like to be other than in an environment of a bunch of young peole trying to build up companies?" Kronenberg says.
Locqus is offering
Field Manage for free. It hoped to have 50 firms use the app within its first month after release. It went live early this year. So far 60 companies have downloaded it. Locqus makes money by having a Square-like creditcard mechanism built into the app. Field Manage also offers small lines of credit to the firms that use it, making it easier and cheaper to borrow money to grow their business.
"We can determine their creditworthiness better than any bank," Kronenberg says.
Source: Sandy Kronenberg, principal of Locqus
Writer: Jon Zemke
Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.