In 2025, the thin line between scalable software and strategic operation is gone. At EIC, the future of program management software is redefined for high-performing modern tools and client-centric automation to accelerate small business growth.
Guided by our core principle, we believe that product success is interdependent on its ability to help small business program managers execute their critical tasks effectively. To drive measurable outcomes, we targeted three main areas: program setup, execution, and storytelling.
Program Setup: The foundational element of workflow
All small business programs, whether it’s an accelerator, pitch competition, business counseling, or something else, require the same basic elements of program setup.
You need to create an intake process that collects client data. You need to define the goals for the program, either internally or with your funders/stakeholders. You need to—from the beginning—stand up some way of tracking your progress toward those goals.
Program managers are overwhelmed, and they will usually be doing this work on their own. So it is important that any software facilitating this effort be intuitive and easy to use. There should be no lengthy onboarding process; key workflows should be accessible within minutes of creating an account.
Execution: The accelerating drive of productivity
Successful execution of a small business program requires one thing above all others: collaboration.
In a thriving ecosystem, an entrepreneur is never turned away—they are only referred to someone better suited to meet their needs.
To accomplish this, program management software should facilitate not only the delivery of services—business counseling, classroom-style TA, lending, etc.—but also the secure sharing of client data and information between providers.
Therefore, any CRM or software made for this industry must provide a natural-feeling process for referring business owners from one provider to another. At EIC, we call this the “warm handoff” that ensures no business owner is lost between the spreadsheets.
Storytelling: The cornerstone of effective communication
A program manager's most important job may well be storytelling. After all, what good is their work if they cannot secure funding for it in the first place?
Data is the foundation of storytelling in this industry. But contrary to cliche, data cannot tell a story. It is the program manager’s job to craft a story from the data. Our job is to make that as easy as possible.
I frequently remind our team that data should feel natural—like language. Too many reporting tools are made for data analysts, not regular people. In 2025, users shouldn’t have to think in terms of filters or formulas. We want to design reporting tools that turn conversational questions into structured insights, effectively connecting user intent with data logic.
With AI making this more possible than ever, there is no reason to tolerate complicated visualization tools or steep learning curves.
