Running a small business isn’t easy. You’ve got a million things to juggle—clients, finances, projects, and marketing—without the deep pockets of a big corporation. The good news? There are tons of free and affordable tools that can help keep your business running smoothly. Whether you need help with admin, customer management, or finances, here are some of the best tools to consider.
Admin & Productivity Tools
Google Workspace (Free & Paid Plans)
If you’re not already using Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), you’re missing out. With free access to Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets, you can collaborate, store files, and manage communications all in one place. The free version is great, but if you need extra storage or a custom email address, plans start at around $8.40/month CAD.
Notion (Free & Paid Plans)
Notion is like a digital notebook on steroids. You can create to-do lists, manage projects, and even build a simple CRM. The free plan is great for solo entrepreneurs, while the paid version ($8/month CAD) gives you more storage and collaboration features.
Canva (Free & Paid Plans)
Need to create social media graphics, marketing materials, or presentations? Canva’s got you covered. The free version has plenty of templates, and if you want premium design elements, the Pro plan is $16.99/month CAD.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tools
HubSpot CRM (Free & Paid Plans)
Tracking customer interactions is crucial, and HubSpot’s free CRM makes it easy. It helps you manage contacts, automate emails, and keep tabs on sales. If you need more advanced marketing features, paid plans start at around $25/month CAD.
Zoho CRM (Free & Paid Plans)
If you’re running a small team, Zoho CRM’s free plan supports up to three users. It offers lead tracking, workflow automation, and basic analytics. The paid plans start at $20/month CAD.
Streak CRM for Gmail (Free & Paid Plans)
If you don’t want to deal with a separate CRM, Streak integrates directly into Gmail. The free version is great for solopreneurs, and paid plans start at $19/month CAD.
Finance & Accounting Tools
Wave Accounting (Free & Paid Plans)
For Canadian small businesses, Wave is one of the best free accounting tools. You can track income and expenses, send invoices, and even accept payments (though there’s a small processing fee). If you need payroll, it starts at $20/month CAD.
FreshBooks (Free Trial & Paid Plans)
FreshBooks is perfect for freelancers and small businesses that need time tracking and invoicing. It’s not free long-term, but you can try it out before committing to a paid plan (starting at $22/month CAD).
QuickBooks Online (Paid Plans)
QuickBooks is one of the most well-known accounting tools, offering automated bookkeeping and tax tracking. It’s not free, but it often has promos for new users, with plans starting around $20/month CAD but as low as only $6/month CAD. We use Quickbooks for our clients. Visit our Services page to learn more.
Project Management & Collaboration Tools
Trello (Free & Paid Plans)
Trello’s simple drag-and-drop system makes organizing tasks easy. The free version is great for individuals and small teams, while the paid plan ($10/month CAD) adds automation features.
Asana (Free & Paid Plans)
Need to keep track of deadlines and tasks? Asana’s free version lets you manage unlimited projects, and if you want advanced workflow automation, paid plans start at $14/month CAD.
ClickUp (Free & Paid Plans)
ClickUp is another solid project management tool that combines task lists, calendars, and collaboration tools. The free version has a lot to offer, and the paid plans start at $7/month CAD.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right tools can save you time, money, and a ton of stress. Whether you need help with organization, customer management, or finances, there’s a free (or budget-friendly) option out there for you. Start with the free versions, test them out, and upgrade only when necessary.