This talk will guide small businesses through the key decisions involved in building an efficient and scalable tech stack. Participants can learn how to strike the right balance between affordability and future-proofing by selecting adaptable, integrated solutions that support long-term growth. Key Points: - Choosing cost-effective yet scalable technologies - Planning for future growth without overspending early on - Seamlessly integrating diverse tools for flexibility and efficiency summary: In today's competitive landscape, small businesses must adopt technology solutions that not only meet immediate needs but also pave the way for long-term success. The challenge lies in selecting and integrating technologies that are both cost-effective and scalable, ensuring that the tech stack can evolve as the business grows. This talk explores strategies for bootstrapping a tech stack that balances current budget constraints with future growth potential. We'll discuss: - Identifying essential vs. future-proof technologies; - Leveraging open-source, cloud-based, or modular solutions to minimize upfront costs; - Prioritizing integration and interoperability for smoother workflows. Drawing from personal experience in consulting small businesses and startups, this talk offers actionable insights on building a tech infrastructure that supports agility without over-complicating operations.