Assistants, office software, design, accounts, online selling and customer service
Top 10 AI Tools for Small Business Owners
The AI tools that save a small business owner the most time, across admin, marketing, money and customers. Each entry links to the maker's site.
An editorial selection, not a ranking from independent testing. Most of these have a free tier or trial, so try them on a real task before paying. Do not put confidential customer data into a tool until you have read how it is stored and used.
1
What it does
A general AI assistant for writing, research, planning and working through problems.
Why it matters
The quickest way to get help with almost any task, from a difficult email to a business plan.
2
What it does
An AI assistant that works across Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams using your own files and messages.
Why it matters
Useful if your business already runs on Microsoft 365, because it knows your documents.
3
What it does
Gemini built into Gmail, Docs, Sheets and Meet to draft, summarise and analyse.
Why it matters
The equivalent for businesses on Google's office tools, included in many plans.
4
What it does
A design tool with AI for creating social posts, flyers, presentations and simple videos.
Why it matters
Lets you produce professional-looking marketing without hiring a designer.
5
What it does
Online accounting with an AI assistant that helps with invoices, reconciliation and questions about your finances.
Why it matters
Keeps the books up to date with less effort and makes working with an accountant easier.
6
What it does
A platform for selling online, with Sidekick, an AI assistant that helps run the shop and write product content.
Why it matters
Takes much of the technical work out of setting up and growing an online store.
7
What it does
A website builder with AI that creates a site from a description and an assistant to help manage it.
Why it matters
A fast way to get a credible website without a developer.
8
What it does
Connects thousands of apps so that tasks happen automatically, with AI agents and chatbots you can build yourself.
Why it matters
Removes repetitive copying between systems, which is where small teams lose hours.
9
What it does
Live chat and customer service for websites, with an AI agent called Lyro that answers common questions.
Why it matters
Gives customers instant answers out of hours without extra staff.
10
What it does
Records, transcribes and summarises video meetings and lists the actions agreed.
Why it matters
Means you can concentrate on the conversation and still have accurate notes.
