Starting or running a small business in India in 2025? This is your all-in-one guide to go from idea to execution using free CRM tools, registering your business online, and setting up smart billing and inventory software—all tailored for Indian entrepreneurs.
Whether you’re a solopreneur, running a Kirana store, or launching a service-based company, we’ll walk you through everything you need to digitize, automate, and scale affordably.
Section 1: Top Free CRM Software for Small Businesses in India
Why CRM is a Game-Changer
A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool helps you:
- Manage customer details in one place
- Track leads, deals, and sales progress
- Automate follow-ups and reminders
- Get reports on performance
And the best part? Many of them offer free plans for small teams.
Top 10 Free CRM Tools for Indian Businesses (2025)
- Zoho CRM (Free Edition)
- 3 users free
- Indian currency support
- WhatsApp integration, payment gateway support
- Paid plans start at ₹800/month
- HubSpot CRM
- Unlimited users
- Contact management, deal pipelines
- Email tracking, live chat
- Excellent UI but less India-specific customization
- Freshsales (by Freshworks)
- 10 users free
- AI-powered lead scoring
- WhatsApp and phone integration
- Indian origin, ideal for local businesses
- Bitrix24
- Unlimited users
- CRM + project management
- India-based servers available
- EngageBay CRM
- 15 users on free plan
- Built-in email marketing and web forms
- Streak CRM (for Gmail)
- Best for solopreneurs using Gmail
- CRM inside your inbox
- Agile CRM
- 10 users free
- Marketing automation + ticketing system
- Capsule CRM
- Clean interface, 2 users free
- Works well with Google Workspace
- SuiteCRM (Open-source)
- Free forever
- Requires self-hosting and setup
- Vtiger CRM
- Indian provider
- Core CRM free for up to 10 users
Zoho CRM vs HubSpot: Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Zoho CRM | HubSpot CRM |
|---|---|---|
| Free users | 3 | Unlimited |
| Local integrations | Yes (Razorpay, GST) | Limited |
| Indian currency support | Yes | Partial |
| Email tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | India-first teams | Email-focused teams |
Section 2: Registering Your Business Online in India (Udyam, GST, MSME)
Udyam Registration (for MSME)
Steps:
- Visit the official Udyam Registration portal
- Enter Aadhaar number of business owner
- Verify via OTP
- Provide PAN, business type, bank details
- Submit and download your certificate
Benefits:
- Government subsidies
- Loan assistance
- Preference in tenders
GST Registration
Required if turnover exceeds:
- ₹20 lakh (normal states)
- ₹10 lakh (special category states)
Steps:
- Visit GST portal
- Fill Part A (PAN, mobile, email)
- Verify via OTP and TRN
- Fill Part B with business details and documents
- Submit and receive GSTIN
Documents Needed:
- PAN, Aadhaar
- Bank proof
- Address proof
- Photo
MSME Certificate
- Same as Udyam registration
- Free of cost
- Used for applying for schemes, subsidies, credit support
Tips:
- Register early
- Use correct business codes (NIC codes)
- Keep all documents scanned and ready
Section 3: Best Billing & Inventory Software for Indian Retailers
Why You Need Billing Software
- Generate GST invoices
- Manage stock automatically
- Avoid manual errors
- Track sales and expenses
Top POS and Inventory Tools (Free & Paid)
- Vyapar
- GST billing
- Mobile and desktop
- Offline support
- myBillBook
- Retailer-focused
- Easy inventory and barcode support
- ProfitBooks
- Free GST billing
- Good for service businesses
- Zoho Inventory
- Inventory + CRM + payment integration
- Cloud-based
- TallyPrime
- Industry standard in India
- One-time license
- JustBilling, Sleek Bill
- Lightweight, ideal for small shops
- HDPOS Smart
- Complete POS with barcode, reporting
- Logic ERP
- Advanced ERP for growing retailers
Feature Checklist
- GST-compliant invoices
- Stock management with alerts
- Offline mode support
- Barcode billing
- Multi-location support (for franchises)
FAQs
Can I use one tool for CRM and billing?
Some tools like Zoho and Tally integrate CRM and billing. But for best results, use specialized tools connected via API.
Is Udyam registration mandatory?
Not mandatory but highly recommended to access government MSME benefits.
Which billing tool is best for a Kirana store?
Vyapar or myBillBook are the top choices—easy, local language support, GST-ready.
Final Thoughts
Running a small business in India has never been more tech-enabled. With the right free CRM, proper registrations, and affordable billing tools, you can set up, manage, and grow your business like a pro in 2025.
Start with one tool from each section today—and build a smarter business tomorrow.