Autodesk and partner GlobalData surveyed 1,881 U.S.-based professionals and small business owners across architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, media and entertainment to assess sentiment, challenges and opportunities for the survey.

In its "State of Small Business" report, the software giant found that 18% designs and makers say they're considering starting their own business in 2026, 6% higher than the broader small business economy, and more than three times the share who actually did so in 2025. It also found the fastest-growing corner of small business are solo and micro designers and makers, a segment that grew nearly 10% in 2025—almost 35% faster than the rest of the small business economy.

Yet 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 doing the actual work.

To better serve small businesses, Autodesk's launched a small business hub with resources for small businesses, including discounted versions of AutoCAD and Fusion. This change will be Autodesk's first in shifting how it works with small enterprises. For small businesses in the AEC markets, Autodesk is offering a bundle of AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D and Forma Site Design in a single package at a discounted subscription rate.