You're paying for Microsoft 365, but are you actually using it? Most small businesses leave 70% of the suite untouched. That's wasted money and missed productivity. The right consultant can flip that. I've rounded up five firms that specialize in
Why Small Businesses Need a Microsoft 365 Consultant
Microsoft 365 is a powerhouse, but it's also complex. Small businesses often lack the internal IT bandwidth to configure tenants properly, set up security policies, or automate workflows. A consultant bridges that gap. They assess your current setup, optimize licensing, and implement tools like SharePoint, Teams, and Power Automate so your team actually collaborates and stays secure. Without expert guidance, you're leaving productivity gains on the table.
How We Ranked These Consultants
I evaluated each firm on three criteria: depth of M365 expertise, focus on small business needs, and ability to deliver automation and governance. I also considered client reviews and industry recognition. The goal was to find partners who don't just set up software but transform how you work.
Here's a quick look at the top five Microsoft 365 consultants for small businesses. Each brings a unique strength to the table.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Anders | Businesses wanting a strategic, finance-savvy M365 partner |
| Davenport Group | Organizations needing M365 consulting plus managed IT support |
| Teal | Small businesses in regulated industries needing M365 and compliance help |
| Ryan-KS | Ryan Knowledge Solutions | Small businesses needing practical M365 automation and data governance |
| Dev4Side | Businesses wanting M365 consulting with custom development capabilities |
The Top 5 Microsoft 365 Consultants for Small Business
#1 Anders
A screenshot of the Anders website.
Anders is a full-service CPA and consulting firm that has built a strong Microsoft 365 practice. They focus on aligning your Microsoft tools with your business strategy, covering everything from licensing assessments to security gap analysis. Their blog explains how a consultant helps you close the gap between what you pay for and what you use. Anders is particularly strong for businesses that want a holistic partner who understands both finance and technology.
#2 Davenport Group
A screenshot of the Davenport Group website.
Davenport Group is a managed services provider with deep expertise in Microsoft 365, security, and cloud solutions. They serve government, education, and healthcare sectors, offering everything from tenant configuration to managed security. Their approach is hands-on, helping you deploy Teams, SharePoint, and Copilot effectively. If you need a partner that can handle both consulting and ongoing managed IT, Davenport Group is a solid choice.
#3 Teal
A screenshot of the Teal website.
Teal specializes in helping small businesses scale with Microsoft 365. They offer managed M365 services, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC, HIPAA, NIST), and IT consulting. Their blog highlights practical ways SMBs can use M365 to grow, from automating workflows to securing remote collaboration. Teal is a great fit if you're in a regulated industry like defense contracting or finance and need a consultant who understands compliance.
#4 Ryan-KS | Ryan Knowledge Solutions
A screenshot of the Ryan-KS website.
Ryan Knowledge Solutions is a focused Microsoft 365 consultancy serving small businesses in government, healthcare, and manufacturing. They specialize in automation and data governance, helping you set up policies that keep your data secure and your workflows efficient. Their hands-on approach means they don't just configure your tenant; they train your team to use it effectively. If you're a small business that needs practical, no-fluff M365 guidance, Ryan Knowledge Solutions delivers.
#5 Dev4Side
A screenshot of the Dev4Side website.
Dev4Side is a software development and consulting firm with a strong Microsoft 365 practice. They help organizations deploy, govern, and optimize the entire M365 suite, from tenant configuration to Copilot adoption. Their blog emphasizes that most companies use less than 30% of what they pay for, and they aim to close that gap. Dev4Side is ideal if you need custom development alongside your M365 consulting, especially around Power Platform and SharePoint.
How to Choose the Right Microsoft 365 Consultant
Start by defining your biggest pain point. Is it security? Automation? Just getting your team to use Teams? Look for a consultant with proven experience in that area. Check if they serve your industry, especially if you're in a regulated field like healthcare or government. Finally, ask about their onboarding process. A good consultant will start with a thorough assessment before recommending any changes.
Automate Your Workflows with Microsoft 365
A typical automation workflow starts with a consultant mapping your current processes. They identify repetitive tasks like approval chains, data entry, or document routing. Then they build automated flows using Power Automate, often integrating SharePoint and Teams. The result? Your team spends less time on busywork and more on high-value tasks. Ryan Knowledge Solutions, for example, specializes in exactly this kind of practical automation for small businesses.
Get More from Your Microsoft 365 Investment
You don't need to be a Microsoft expert to get the most out of M365. You just need the right partner. Whether you choose a full-service firm like Anders or a niche specialist like Ryan Knowledge Solutions, the key is finding a consultant who understands your business and can translate that into a better M365 setup. Start with an assessment, and you'll be surprised how much productivity you've been leaving on the table.