$0 a Month AI Tool Stack for Small Business — Actually Free, No Credit Card

I Ran My Business on $0 AI Tools for 4 Months

I assumed running a business with AI tools would cost hundreds monthly. Then I tried the free tier of everything.

My $0 Stack (That Actually Works)

1. ChatGPT Free — general tasks, unlimited light model
2. Claude Free — best long-form writing, reads human
3. Canva Free — social graphics, presentations, 80% of design needs
4. CapCut — free video editor, honestly replaces paid tools
5. Gemini — massive 1M-token context, Google ecosystem
6. Grammarly Free — catches embarrassing typos everywhere
7. Otter.ai Free — 300 transcription minutes per month
8. Buffer/Mailchimp — basic social + email on free tiers

8 tools. $0 total.

The Upgrade Rule

Only pay when a tool saves you more time than it costs.

The Trap

Most people sign up for paid plans immediately. The free tier covers 80% of solo creator needs.

Full Guide

Complete breakdown here: Free AI Tools for Business

What is in your free tool stack? Drop it below!