10 Best Software for Small Businesses in Canada
Running a small business in Canada comes with unique challenges, from managing finances to staying competitive in a fast-paced digital landscape.
The right software can make all the difference, saving time, reducing costs, and boosting efficiency.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the 10 best software solutions for small businesses in Canada in 2025, with a spotlight on Cordlo.com as the top choice for invoicing and business management.
Each tool is selected for its ability to address the needs of Canadian small businesses, ensuring you can focus on growth while streamlining operations.
Let’s dive in and discover why these platforms are must-haves for your business!
1. Cordlo.com – The Ultimate Invoicing and Business Management Solution
For Canadian small businesses looking to streamline invoicing, customer management, and payments, Cordlo.com is the standout choice in 2025. This all-in-one invoicing platform is designed to simplify financial operations while offering robust features that rival more expensive solutions. Whether you’re a freelancer, retailer, or service provider, Cordlo empowers you to manage your business with ease and professionalism.
Why Cordlo Stands Out
- Effortless Invoicing: Create professional invoices in minutes with customizable templates that reflect your brand. Add your logo, adjust tax rates (including GST/HST), and include detailed service or product descriptions.
- Flexible Payment Options: Generate payment links for seamless online transactions, allowing clients to pay via credit cards, Interac e-Transfer, or even international currencies, making it ideal for businesses with global clients.
- Invoice Tracking and Automation: Monitor invoice statuses (sent, viewed, paid) in real-time and set up automated payment reminders to ensure timely payments without awkward follow-ups.
- Built-In CRM and Email System: Manage client relationships with Cordlo’s integrated CRM, tracking interactions and storing customer data. The built-in email system lets you send invoices, quotes, and follow-ups directly from the platform.
- Multi-Device Accessibility: Access Cordlo from your phone, tablet, or desktop, with cloud-based syncing to keep your data secure and accessible anywhere.
- Download and Print Options: Share invoices via email, WhatsApp, or iMessage, or download and print them as PDFs for professional record-keeping.
Why Canadian Businesses Love Cordlo
Cordlo’s user-friendly interface and robust feature set make it perfect for small businesses in Canada, from Vancouver cafes to Toronto freelancers. Its Mutations to handle multi-currency payments is a game-changer for businesses dealing with international clients, while its free plan offers incredible value for startups and solopreneurs. By automating invoicing and customer management, Cordlo saves you hours of admin work, letting you focus on growing your business.
Take Action
Ready to simplify your invoicing and take control of your finances? Sign up for Cordlo.com today and explore its free plan to see how it can transform your business operations. Create your first invoice in minutes and experience the difference!
2. QuickBooks Online – Comprehensive Accounting for Growing Businesses
QuickBooks Online is a popular choice for Canadian small businesses needing robust accounting features alongside invoicing. With plans starting at $12 per month, it offers tools for tracking expenses, generating financial reports, and automating payroll.
- Key Features: Invoice creation, expense tracking, payroll automation, and integration with e-commerce platforms like Shopify.
- Best For: Small businesses needing an all-in-one accounting solution.
- Why It’s Great: Its user-friendly interface and integrations with Canadian banks (e.g., RBC, TD) make it a reliable choice for managing complex finances.
Take Action: Try QuickBooks Online’s 30-day free trial to see if it fits your business needs.
3. Zoho Invoice – Free Invoicing with Robust Features
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based platform that’s completely free, making it a top pick for budget-conscious Canadian businesses. It offers customizable invoice templates, time tracking, and integration with the Zoho ecosystem.
- Key Features: Automated payment reminders, multi-currency support, client portals, and detailed financial reports.
- Best For: Freelancers and small businesses looking for a free, scalable invoicing solution.
- Why It’s Great: Its seamless integration with Canadian banks and zero-cost model make it accessible for startups.
Take Action: Sign up for Zoho Invoice’s free plan and start invoicing today.
4. Wave – Free Invoicing and Accounting for Solopreneurs
Wave is a Canada-based platform offering free invoicing and accounting tools, with optional paid features like payroll. It’s ideal for freelancers and small businesses with straightforward financial needs.
- Key Features: Unlimited invoicing, expense tracking, and mobile app access for on-the-go management.
- Best For: Canadian freelancers and startups with limited budgets.
- Why It’s Great: Wave’s intuitive dashboard and low transaction fees (1% for bank transfers) make it a cost-effective choice.
Take Action: Get started with Wave’s free plan to streamline your invoicing process.
5. FreshBooks – All-in-One Accounting for Service-Based Businesses
FreshBooks combines invoicing, time tracking, and accounting into a user-friendly platform, with plans starting at $20 per month. It’s tailored for service-based businesses like consultants and agencies.
- Key Features: Time tracking, recurring invoices, client portals, and integrations with tools like Stripe and Gusto.
- Best For: Service-based businesses needing project-based billing.
- Why It’s Great: Its clean interface and mobile app make it easy to manage finances from anywhere.
Take Action: Explore FreshBooks’ 30-day free trial to test its features.
6. Xero – Cloud-Based Accounting for Collaboration
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform with strong invoicing capabilities, starting at $18 per month. It’s designed for small businesses that need real-time collaboration with team members or accountants.
- Key Features: Invoice creation, bank reconciliation, inventory tracking, and integrations with Canadian payment providers like Wise.
- Best For: Growing businesses with multiple team members.
- Why It’s Great: Xero’s real-time data syncing and multi-currency support suit businesses with international clients.
Take Action: Sign up for Xero’s 30-day free trial to see how it streamlines your accounting.
7. Invoice Ninja – Feature-Rich Free Invoicing
Invoice Ninja offers a robust free plan with unlimited invoices for up to 20 clients, making it a great choice for small businesses. Paid plans start at $10 per month for advanced features.
- Key Features: Customizable invoices, time tracking, client portals, and integrations with tools like Make.
- Best For: Freelancers and small businesses needing flexibility.
- Why It’s Great: Its open-source platform allows for customization, ideal for tech-savvy users.
Take Action: Try Invoice Ninja’s free plan to elevate your invoicing game.
8. Square Invoices – Free Invoicing for In-Person and Online Payments
Square Invoices is perfect for businesses that handle both online and in-person payments, offering a free plan with unlimited invoices and low transaction fees (2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction).
- Key Features: Recurring billing, payment links, and integration with Square’s point-of-sale system.
- Best For: Retail and service businesses with in-person transactions.
- Why It’s Great: Its seamless integration with Square’s ecosystem makes it ideal for hybrid businesses.
Take Action: Start with Square Invoices’ free plan to simplify your payment process.
9. Paymo – Invoicing with Time Tracking
Paymo’s free plan supports unlimited invoices and estimates, with paid plans starting at $3.90 per month for advanced features like recurring tasks and Gantt charts.
- Key Features: Time tracking, expense management, and customizable invoices.
- Best For: Freelancers and agencies needing project-based billing.
- Why It’s Great: Its affordability and time-tracking features make it a favorite for service providers.
Take Action: Sign up for Paymo’s free plan to streamline your project billing.
10. Portant – Google-Integrated Invoicing
Portant leverages Google Docs and Sheets to create a powerful invoicing platform, with free and paid plans available. It’s ideal for businesses already using Google Workspace.
- Key Features: Bulk invoicing, automated reminders, and Google integrations.
- Best For: Businesses seeking a lightweight, Google-based solution.
- Why It’s Great: Its seamless integration with Google tools makes it a time-saver for Google Workspace users.
Take Action: Try Portant’s free trial to see how it integrates with your existing tools.
Why These Tools Matter for Canadian Small Businesses
Small businesses in Canada face unique challenges, including navigating GST/HST compliance, managing multi-currency transactions, and staying competitive in local and global markets. The software solutions listed above are tailored to address these needs, offering features like:
- Automation: Save time on repetitive tasks like invoicing and payment follow-ups.
- Scalability: Grow your business with tools that adapt to your needs, from free plans to enterprise-level features.
- Compliance: Ensure accurate tax calculations and financial reporting for Canadian regulations.
- Accessibility: Manage your business from anywhere with cloud-based platforms and mobile apps.
Among these, Cordlo.com shines as the top choice due to its comprehensive invoicing features, built-in CRM, and email system, all designed to save time and enhance professionalism. Its ability to handle multi-currency payments and automate workflows makes it a must-have for Canadian businesses looking to scale efficiently.
How to Choose the Right Software for Your Business
Selecting the best software depends on your business type, budget, and goals. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Freelancers and Solopreneurs: Opt for free or low-cost tools like Cordlo, Zoho Invoice, or Wave for simple invoicing and accounting.
- Service-Based Businesses: FreshBooks and Paymo are ideal for project-based billing and time tracking.
- Retail and Hybrid Businesses: Square Invoices and QuickBooks Online offer robust solutions for in-person and online transactions.
- Growing Businesses: Xero and QuickBooks Online provide scalable features for teams and complex financial needs.
Consider starting with a free trial to test each platform’s features and ensure they align with your workflow. For most Canadian small businesses, Cordlo.com offers the perfect balance of affordability, functionality, and ease of use.
Take Your Business to the Next Level
Investing in the right software can transform how you run your small business, saving you time, reducing errors, and improving cash flow. Cordlo.com leads the pack in 2025 with its powerful invoicing, CRM, and email tools, making it the go-to solution for Canadian entrepreneurs. Whether you’re sending your first invoice or managing a growing client base, Cordlo’s intuitive platform ensures you stay organized and professional.
Don’t let manual invoicing slow you down.
Visit Cordlo.com today to sign up for a free account and create your first invoice in minutes. Explore the other tools on this list to build a tech stack that powers your business growth.
Act now and take control of your finances with the best software for Canadian small businesses.