Top Software with AI for
 

Small Businesses

Updated 2025

Every small business owner knows the feeling of wearing multiple hats throughout the day. One minute you're handling customer service, the next you're reviewing financial reports, and somewhere in between you're trying to plan for growth. Your software toolkit should simplify these transitions, not complicate them. From POS systems and inventory management to employee scheduling and customer relationship tools, the right combination of software can help you compete with larger companies while maintaining the personal touch that makes small businesses special. Below, we’ve curated a list of essential software that will help you work smarter and deliver your best.

Thryv

Industry leading marketing and sales platform.

Thryv is a marketing automation software designed for small businesses, offering tools for CRM, customer engagement, and business management.

Top 10
Vetted & Verified
250 - 1,000 / month
Security Certifications
E-Commerce Ready
Easy to Use
Great Customer Support
Includes Mobile App
Strong Community Support

Square

Powering 4 million businesses globally. Ready for yours.

Square is a business technology platform offering payment processing, POS systems, and business management tools.

Top 10
Vetted & Verified
30 / month
Security Certifications
Global Payments
Seamless Integrations
Easy to Use
Includes Mobile App
E-Commerce Ready

Gusto

Payroll, HR, benefits. Simplified.

Gusto is a cloud-based software platform primarily designed for small and medium-sized businesses to manage HR, payroll, and benefits.

Top 10
Vetted & Verified
6-22 / month
Security Certifications
Easy to Use
Automation Features
Feature Rich
Scalable for Growth
Great Customer Support

Canva

Design anything. Publish anywhere.

Canva empowers users to create stunning visuals, from social media posts to presentations, with drag-and-drop tools and a vast library of templates and assets.

Top 10
Vetted & Verified
0-100 / year
Security Certifications
Easy to Use
Tons of Templates
Easy Collaboration
Affordable Pricing
Great Customer Support

Zoho CRM

Helping businesses build lasting relationships and grow resiliently with contextual AI and thoughtful UI.

Zoho CRM delivers a robust customer relationship management platform with tools for lead generation, sales automation, and multichannel communication.

Top 10
Vetted & Verified
23 / month
Security Certifications
Automation Features
Seamless Integrations
Highly Customizable
Scalable for Growth
Strong Community Support

Emburse Spend

Close your books 5x faster.

Emburse Spend is a streamlined expense management tool designed for tracking, approving, and controlling corporate spending in real time.

Top 10
Vetted & Verified
8-12 / month
Security Certifications
Automation Features
E-Commerce Ready
Scalable for Growth
Easy to Use
Strong Performance

Smartsheet

Work management that adapts to your needs.

Smartsheet offers a dynamic project management platform that uses grid, Gantt chart, and card views for task management and workflow automation.

Top 10
Vetted & Verified
9-19 / month
Security Certifications
Easy to Use
Seamless Integrations
Automation Features
Feature Rich
Easy Collaboration

Podium

AI that converts leads and makes you money.

Podium helps local businesses stand out by using chatbots to manage messages, schedule appointments, and build relationships.

Top 10
Vetted & Verified
600 / month
Security Certifications
Advanced AI Features
E-Commerce Ready
Seamless Integrations
Easy to Use
Includes Mobile App

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Software

FAQ Question 1

Small businesses benefit from tools that simplify everyday operations and enhance customer engagement. Point-of-sale (POS) and inventory management systems keep sales and stock organized. Employee scheduling and payroll software help manage your team efficiently. Customer relationship management (CRM) platforms support personalized service, while marketing and design tools assist with brand building. Expense tracking and project management apps help keep your finances and growth plans on track.

FAQ Question 2

Look for solutions that streamline multiple functions and integrate smoothly, so you can avoid juggling too many separate platforms. Prioritize ease of use and affordability, especially for lean teams managing diverse responsibilities. Consider software that supports both customer-facing and back-office needs, helping you maintain that personal touch while growing your operations. Testing demos and reading user reviews can also provide valuable insights before committing.

FAQ Question 3

Maximize value by automating routine tasks like appointment reminders, payroll, and expense reports. Use CRM data to tailor communications and build lasting customer relationships. Leverage analytics and reporting features to monitor sales trends and identify growth opportunities. Regularly update your software setup to keep pace with your business’s evolving needs and maintain a competitive edge.