From finding grants and checking your business rates to getting help with growth, these free tools could save you time, money and a few headaches
Running a small business means being the person who does a bit of everything.
One day you're chasing an invoice, the next you're working out your tax bill, looking for funding or trying to work out whether you actually need a licence to do something.
The good news is that you don't have to work everything out alone.
There are a surprising number of free tools and services designed to help small businesses start, run and grow. Some are buried on GOV.UK, others are run by organisations backed by government.
Here are six worth knowing about.
1. Find a Grant
Looking for funding? Start here before you start Googling.
The government's Find a Grant service brings together grants from different government departments in one place.
You can search by keyword, browse available grants and check whether you might be eligible to apply. The service is available to SMEs as well as individuals, charities and other organisations.
This is particularly useful because grants can be surprisingly difficult to find. They may be aimed at a particular industry, location, type of project or stage of business, so the grant that could help your business might not be obvious from a general search.
The service also allows you to sign up for updates when new grants are added.
Why it's worth knowing: You could be missing out on funding simply because you didn't know it existed.
2. Your local Growth Hub
Need help growing the business? Your local Growth Hub should be on your radar.
Growth Hubs are local business support organisations across England, backed by government. They bring together support from public bodies, private organisations, universities and other partners.
They can help with areas including business planning, sales, access to finance, recruitment and skills, innovation, digital transformation, productivity and sustainability.
The important thing is that this isn't just aimed at start-ups. Growth Hubs support businesses at different stages, including established companies looking to expand.
There's also a wider Government Business Support Service offering free advice and guidance, including information about local financial support.
Why it's worth knowing: If you're stuck on a business problem, don't automatically assume you'll have to pay a consultant to solve it. There may already be free support available locally.
3. The Licence Finder
Before you start trading, check whether you're actually allowed to do what you plan to do.
It's an easy one to overlook.
Depending on what your business does, you may need a licence, permit or other authorisation. That could apply to everything from certain types of retail and hospitality to activities involving food, entertainment, transport or regulated services.
The government's Licence Finder lets you search for the licences and authorisations that may apply to a particular business activity and location.
It is particularly useful if you're starting something new or adding a new service to an existing business.
Why it's worth knowing: Finding out you need a licence before you start is much better than discovering it after you've spent money setting up.
4. Companies House
Don't just use Companies House to file your accounts. Use it to check who you're doing business with.
If you're dealing with another limited company, the free Companies House service lets you look up information including its registered address, directors, incorporation date and filing history. You can also view accounts and other documents where they have been filed.
That can be useful before taking on a major customer, supplier or business partner.
You can also follow companies and receive email alerts when new information is filed.
It isn't a replacement for proper due diligence - Companies House itself warns that information on the register isn't necessarily verified - but it's a useful first check.
Why it's worth knowing: Five minutes checking a company could tell you things you wouldn't know from its website or sales pitch.
5. Check your business rates
If you have business premises, don't just accept the bill. Check the numbers.
Business rates can be a significant cost for shops, offices, restaurants, warehouses and other commercial properties.
The Valuation Office Agency allows businesses to check their rateable value, and there are different forms of relief available depending on the circumstances of the business.
The business rates system was revalued in England and Wales from April 2026, so it's particularly important for businesses to understand what their current valuation is and whether they qualify for any relief.
There can also be support for businesses whose bills have increased following the revaluation. The exact relief available depends on the property and the business.
Why it's worth knowing: Business rates are a major overhead for many SMEs, and you won't know whether your bill is right or whether relief could apply unless you check.
6. Help to Grow: Management
If the business has grown beyond you doing everything yourself, this one is worth a look.
The government's Help to Grow: Management programme is aimed at leaders of UK businesses with 5 to 249 employees that have been operating for more than a year.
It offers training, one-to-one support from a business mentor, peer learning and help developing a growth plan. The programme covers areas including leadership, marketing, employee engagement and financial management.
There is a £750 joining fee, so this isn't completely free. But the programme is funded by government and is designed specifically for SME leaders looking to improve productivity and grow their business.
Why it's worth knowing: Growing a business requires a different set of skills from starting one. Getting help with leadership, finance and planning can become increasingly valuable as the team gets bigger.
Find out about Help to Grow: Management
Don't overlook the free stuff
Running a business can get expensive quickly.
Accountants, consultants, software, marketing agencies and financial advisers can all have their place, but there is also a lot of free support available if you know where to look.
The six tools above won't solve every problem. But they can help you find funding, understand your obligations, check who you're dealing with, reduce unnecessary costs and get support when you're ready to grow.
And there's one more place worth bookmarking.
The government's Business Support Service brings together information about starting, running and growing a business, as well as local support. It also provides free advice in England through phone, email and webchat.
For a small business owner, knowing where to look for help can be almost as useful as knowing the answer itself.
