Free business apps for start-ups

small-biz-apps

To get your business off to a good start, you need to have done some planning, which involves a considerable amount of computations and pencil pushing.

You need not start the process from scratch.

Here are some tools that will help the newbie entrepreneur prepare for actual business implementation.   These tools offer templates that can be followed by anyone with fairly good computer skills.  These are available for free but be prepared to shell out some cash if you want some advanced features.

  • Business Plan for Entrepreneurs’ Startups by Thomsen Business Information

Once you have your idea of a business in mind, you need to put together a business plan. This tool from Thomsen Business Information will help you find investors, open bank accounts, and build other credibility in the business world. You could hire someone to help, or for $2.99 you can create one right on your iOS device! In addition, you will also learn some of the foundations to starting and running a business. There are templates for business plans, budgets, and marketing plans. Business Plan for Entrepreneurs’ Startups is based on the book The Dynamic Business Plan by Mogens Thomsen.

  • MindMeister for iPad by MeisterLabs

The fun part of starting a business is dreaming about how you can grow. MindMeister will help you imagine how your business can take shape. By using a mind-mapping format, you can visualize your thoughts in a simple and creative way, right on your iPad. You can collaborate and share your maps with others, so they can give their thoughts as well. The app is free to use, with an optional in-app subscription purchase for $5.99/month or $50/year. The subscription provides access to even more helpful features such as exporting, adding images, online storage of your maps and more. The interface is simple and enjoyable to use, and it is worth checking out the basic free version to see how it works for you!

  • Rememberthemilk.com

This is an online productivity tool that assists in task and time management.  Basically, it serves as as an all-in-one task manager, to-do list, and digital calendar.  Remember the milk can be integrated with G-mail and allows sharing of tasks with other people.

  • ZapD by PressPlane, Inc.

Even in the initial stage of setting up your business, you can start creating and developing your website.  No business should be without one.

If you are among those who want to put up a site the do-it-yourself way, ZapD will be very useful.  Choose a theme, add some text, insert a photo and your website will be up and running and ready to send out your business info to the world.

Photo: from theappcompany.com/