Earlier this month, Autodesk launched Autodesk for Small Business, which will focus on entrepreneurs and small businesses.
More than a third of the workforce now operate as freelancers or contractors, and nearly one in five professionals are considering starting their own business this year, according to research Autodesk conducted of its own user base.
Autodesk and partner GlobalData surveyed 1,881 U.S. professionals and small business owners in architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, media and entertainment to gauge survey sentiment, challenges and opportunities.
In its “State of Small Business” report, the software giant found that 18% of designers and makers say they are considering starting their own business in 2026, 6% more than the broader small business economy, and more than three times the proportion that did in 2025. It also found that the fastest-growing corner of small businesses are solo makers and micro-designers, growing at nearly 1% in a segment of manufacturers and micro-designers. 2025: Almost 35% faster than the rest of the small business economy.
However, the study also found that teams are doing high-impact work with limited time, resources and support. Eighty percent say they struggle to balance running their business with real work.
To better serve small businesses, Autodesk launched a Small Business Center with resources for small businesses, including discounted versions of AutoCAD and Fusion. This change will be Autodesk’s first to change how it works with small businesses. For small businesses in the AEC markets, Autodesk offers a bundle of AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D and Forma Site Design in a single package at a discounted subscription price.
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