Payroll & HR for
Small Businesses
Smart, Scalable Support for Growing Teams
Hiring help should lighten your load — not bury you in payroll paperwork, compliance confusion, and scattered employee info. At SmallBizMaven, we provide Payroll & HR services for small businesses that want to grow their team with structure, not stress.
We help you set up systems that scale, stay compliant with state and federal laws, and create a workplace that supports both productivity and people.
Based in Oakland, California and with an office in Nevada City, we offer payroll & hr services for small businesses throughout the Bay Area and beyond, bringing clarity and calm to your HR and payroll processes — so you can focus on building a business you’re proud of.
What’s Included in Business Advisory?
Every business is unique — so our advisory support is tailored to your goals, gaps, and growth stage. Typical advisory areas include:
- Monthly or quarterly strategy sessions
- Budgeting & cash flow analysis
- Revenue planning and goal setting
- Operational process review & improvement
- Hiring and team-building guidance
- Help identifying key metrics and building dashboards
- SOP evaluation and development
- Business health check-ins and accountability tracking
- Support during transitions (growth, hiring, exit prep, etc.)
Whether you need a sounding board, a strategist, or a steady hand during a growth phase, our advisory services meet you where you are — and help get you where you want to go.
Work with SmallBizMaven!
What We Offer
Our Payroll & HR for small businesses is designed to be flexible, collaborative, and built for service-based businesses with 1–15 employees or contractors. Services include:
- Payroll system setup & ongoing support (ADP, Gusto, QuickBooks, and other 3rd party payroll providers)
- Employee onboarding & offboarding workflows
- PTO tracking & timekeeping integrations
Payroll compliance (tax filings, W-2s, 1099s, etc.) - Assistance with employee classification (W-2 vs. 1099)
- Help developing employee handbooks & HR policies
- Tracking wage changes, benefits, and reimbursements
- Secure cloud-based document storage
- Liaison with your CPA or benefits provider as needed
Whether you’re paying your first hire or managing a growing team, we make sure your payroll is accurate, timely, and compliant — and that your HR foundation supports long-term success.
The HR Help You Didn’t Know You Needed
We are not a payroll company. We offer support for your 3rd party payroll providers and we’re your local partner who actually understands your business, your team, and your goals.
You’ll get support that’s:
- Human (not robotic)
- Helpful (not overwhelming)
- Scalable (we grow with you)
- Rooted in California-specific compliance knowledge
From creating onboarding checklists to clarifying policies on overtime and paid leave, we’re here to guide you through the complex stuff — in plain English.
Who We Work With
Our payroll & HR for small businesses is tailored to owners who want to:
- Build a team but aren’t sure where to start
- Stay compliant without hiring a full-time HR person
- Provide structure and clarity to their employees
- Create a company culture that aligns with their values
- Use modern payroll systems but still want real support
Most of our clients are service-based businesses with 1–15 employees or a mix of W-2s and 1099 contractors. If you’re navigating growth and need back-end support, we’re ready to help.
Common Questions
Do you run payroll for me?
We process your payroll with a third party payroll company like ADP, Gusto or QuickBooks and manage the back end so your payroll runs seamlessly. We’ll train you, support you, and even sit on the Zoom call with you if needed.
Can you help me create an employee handbook?
Yes! We’ll help you develop a handbook tailored to your business size, policies, and state regulations. It’s not just a template — it’s your company, in writing.
What if I have contractors and not employees?
That’s totally fine. We can help you set up systems for managing 1099s, tracking payments, and staying compliant — and help you understand when it’s time to switch to W-2s.
Connect with Us
Let’s Build a Stronger Back Office
Your people are your greatest asset. Let’s make sure your payroll and HR systems reflect that. With SmallBizMaven, you get thoughtful support, smart tools, and a partner who’s invested in your business growth.
📍 Based in Oakland, CA with an office in Nevada City — Proudly Serving the Bay Area & Beyond
→ Book your free discovery call today and let’s get started.
