Small Business Data Rescue

Local-first business software that never locks you out of your data

Problem

Small business owners whose payments fail after a card change get locked out of software and cannot access or export their own data. Existing SaaS often completely locks accounts after non-payment, leaving users without control over their data.

Solution

A local-first or self-hostable business management tool that stores data locally or on the user's server; even if subscription lapses or payment fails, users can always export all data; supports common functions like inventory, customers, and orders.

Users

Furniture stores, retail shops, small service providers who rely on software but fear lock-in.

MVP

Local SQLite storage for business data; simple UI to manage inventory/customers/orders; one-click export to CSV/JSON; after subscription expiry, read-only mode that still allows viewing and exporting.

Revenue

One-time purchase ($99) or annual subscription ($49/year); export always free; promote via small business communities and local chambers of commerce.

Why now

Growing concerns about SaaS lock-in and data sovereignty; local-first architecture and modern desktop frameworks (e.g., Tauri) are mature, enabling a solo developer to build cross-platform apps quickly.