The Ultimate NI Small Business Toolkit
Discover innovative strategies to stand out in the competitive e-commerce landscape of 2025.
Published on March 29, 2025π¦ The Ultimate NI Small Business Toolkit
Running a business in Northern Ireland means wearing 12 hats, drinking 3 coffees before 10am, and still needing to post on Instagram before lunch. We get it β that's why we pulled together a one-stop NI Small Biz Toolkit with all the apps, links, and shortcuts we wish someone had handed us when we started.
This toolkit is free to use, constantly updatable, and built for real people β freelancers, side hustlers, e-commerce champs, charity founders, and anyone who's building something brilliant in the North.
Bonus: If you're using Shopify or want help with your digital presence, Invisible Building can be your in-house dev/design growth partner. Weβre local, we care, and we make websites that actually convert. Letβs chat β
π§° 1. Free Tools for Everyday Tasks
Task | Tool | Notes |
---|---|---|
Graphic Design | Canva | Templates, logos, posters |
Scheduling Socials | Meta Business Suite | Built-in for Facebook + Insta |
Invoicing | Zervant / Invoicely | Free + client-friendly |
File Sharing | WeTransfer | Quick & easy media sharing |
π 2. NI Business Support Links
Resource | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|
Go Succeed | go-succeed.com | Grants + mentoring |
NI Business Info | nibusinessinfo.co.uk | All the basics, legal info |
Invest NI | investni.com | Export, growth support |
HMRC Business | gov.uk | For sole traders/self-employed |
Women in Business | womeninbusinessni.com | Workshops + events |
π¨ 3. Branding & Marketing Resources
Tool | Description |
---|---|
Canva Smartmockups | Instant product previews |
Fontjoy | Font pairing made easy |
Looka | Logo idea generator |
Coolors | Fast colour palette ideas |
Ubersuggest | SEO keyword + site audit tool |
π¬ 4. Social Media Tools
Tool | Description |
---|---|
CapCut | For making TikToks + Insta Reels |
Pexels / Unsplash | Free stock content |
Answer the Public | Content ideas based on real searches |
Hashtag Generator | Build your reach |
π 5. Website / Shopify Tools
Tool | Description |
---|---|
Shopify Themes | Pick a vibe that sells |
PageSpeed Insights | Speed check & tips |
Hotjar | Heatmaps to spy on user flow |
Figma | For prototyping website ideas |
TinyPNG | Compress your .jpg/.png for faster sites |
π§ 6. Free Training & Learning
Platform | What You'll Learn |
---|---|
Grow with Google | Ads, SEO, online selling |
HubSpot Academy | CRM, email & lead gen |
Skillshare | Free trials for design courses |
Digital Boost UK | Free mentoring |
π Got a tool you swear by? Message us. Weβd love to add it and give you a shout out!