Local startup GigaBook helps automate booking for businesses.

STARTUP // GigaBook

ENTREPRENEUR // Matt DeCoursey

HOW IT WORKS
GigaBook lets customers visit their favorite company’s website to schedule appointments—without anyone at the business having to dig out a calendar to confirm. It’s all automatic.

GigaBook has other useful features, too, including to-do lists, automated reminders and more.

THE INSPIRATION
A few years ago, DeCoursey needed to take the family dog to the groomer, but couldn’t reach anybody on the phone. “I kept thinking, ‘Why can’t I book this online?’”

A lot of small business owners hate scheduling, aren’t good at it and (in some cases) might be elbow-deep in a dog grooming tub, DeCoursey said. “And here’s the phone ringing. This person just can’t get there.”

WHO’S IT FOR?

Small and medium-size businesses, especially service-based companies. Clients range from baseball academies to home inspectors, from art schools to colon hydrotherapists.

THE ADVANTAGE

As a serial entrepreneur, DeCoursey actually understands the hassles of running a small business. He roots out inefficiencies and time sucks that other software developers miss. Customers say they save 10 to 15 hours a week.

WHAT’S NEXT

GigaBook’s team is adding more integrations, so their software will talk to QuickBooks, Uber and other services.