Discover the Free Tools Every SME Needs Today
Running a small enterprise has never been more demanding. You're juggling accounts, invoices, projects and cashflow—often with tight budgets. That's why a small business finance platform can make a real difference. It brings lending, reporting and tax-free returns (via an Innovative Finance ISA) all under one roof. And best of all, you don't pay a penny to get started.
In this guide, we'll walk you through ten top-rated free apps. From bookkeeping and expense tracking to team chat and invoice creation, you'll find a tool for every task. Plus we'll show how a peer-to-business lending solution—our very own platform—fits seamlessly into your toolkit. Want to see how community-driven finance works for you? For those ready to support local businesses and earn tax-free returns, Empower local growth with our small business finance platform.
1. Wave Accounting
Wave Accounting is a user-friendly solution built for micro-businesses and freelancers. It offers:
- Free invoicing and billing templates
- Receipt scanning via mobile app
- Simple wealth and expense tracking
Why we love it: Zero monthly fees. No hidden costs. Wave funds itself through optional payroll and payment processing extras, so the core accounting stays free.
Key takeaway: If you want professional-looking invoices in minutes, this one's for you.
2. Zoho Invoice
Zoho Invoice covers everything from time tracking to custom templates. You can:
- Generate recurring invoices
- Track project hours
- Integrate payments via Stripe or PayPal
Great for: SMEs that bill clients hourly—think design studios, consultancies or agencies. And it pairs nicely with other Zoho apps if you expand later.
3. Expensify
Expensify turns shoe-box receipts into digital records. Features include:
- Automatic expense categorisation
- Credit-card import
- Real-time spend notifications
Expensify's free tier suits solo operators or teams up to five. Want to keep receipts off your desk and data in the cloud? This is your expense tracker.
4. Slack
Slack isn't just chat. It's central for communication:
- Organise channels by project or team
- Integrates with Google Drive, Trello, GitHub
- Threaded conversations keep discussions tidy
Use case: Remote teams or co-working spaces. Keep every client update in one searchable place.
5. Trello
Trello uses visual boards, lists and cards to map out work:
- Drag-and-drop task cards
- Checklists, deadlines and file attachments
- Integrations with Slack and Google Workspace
Perfect for simple project management. It's like sticky notes on a digital corkboard.
6. HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM provides core customer relationship tools—completely free:
- Contact and lead management
- Deal tracking
- Email templates and scheduling
Want to connect your marketing, sales and service? HubSpot lets you upgrade when you grow. And if you're ready to access alternative funding, consider how a small business finance platform comes into play for peer lending. Discover community-powered finance with our small business finance platform.
7. PayPal Business
PayPal Business keeps payments simple. You get:
- Free account setup
- Invoice creation
- Payment links and buttons
It's not a dedicated small business finance platform, but it handles transactions quickly and integrates with most invoicing apps. Fees apply only when you get paid.
8. Canva
Branded social posts, flyers or proposals—you can design them all:
- Drag-and-drop editor
- Thousands of free templates
- Team collaboration
No design degree needed. Canva's free tier is generous and ideal for non-designers wanting polished visuals.
9. Google Workspace
Google Workspace Lite gives you:
- Shared docs, sheets and slides
- Real-time collaboration
- 15 GB storage per user
Combine it with free Gmail addresses at your domain and you're set for basic operations without cost.
10. Innovative Peer-to-Business Lending App
Last but not least, let's talk funding. Traditional banks can be slow, bureaucratic and costly. That's where a small business finance platform comes in handy. Our Innovative Peer-to-Business Lending App lets you:
- Connect directly with investors in your community
- Benefit from fast approval and transparent rates
- Offer Innovative Finance ISA options for tax-free returns
We've already lent over £40 million to UK SMEs since 2013, offering average return rates that outpace many banks. And with AI-driven credit scoring, risk assessment is clearer than ever. You choose the loan term, you set the purpose, and you get funds directly in your account. Plus your backers know exactly how their investment helps local jobs grow.
Why peer lending?
- Communities thrive when small businesses flourish.
- Investors enjoy competitive, tax-efficient yields.
- Transparency builds trust for all parties.
By integrating a small business finance platform like ours into your toolset, you gain both funds and a growth-minded network.
By incorporating one free app for each need—accounting, communication, design and funding—you eliminate multiple costs and complexity. And remember, even with top free tools, a dedicated finance platform can centralise lending and reporting like nothing else.
Final Thoughts
Free apps can transform how SMEs operate—no subscription burdens, no steep learning curves. From tracking expenses to managing customers, these ten tools cover the essentials. And when it's time to scale, tapping into peer-to-business lending through a small business finance platform offers unrivalled speed and community impact.
Ready to fuel your growth and support local enterprises? Grow your community with our small business finance platform.
