Running a business is no small feat—but no one said you have to pay full price to do it. With the right software stack, entrepreneurs can automate tasks, design marketing materials, manage customers, and launch faster than ever—all while saving big through startup-friendly discounts.
Whether you’re bootstrapping or scaling, the following software tools not only power productivity—they offer legit discounts for founders and small businesses. Read on for a few savvy picks (including a helpful FAQ on business card design) to help you build smarter, leaner, and stronger.
1. Notion – Organize Everything (and Get a Startup Discount)
Notion is a workspace app that combines notes, databases, wikis, project tracking, and task lists into one beautiful interface. It’s perfect for solo entrepreneurs and small teams alike.
What makes Notion especially appealing is their Notion for Startups program, which offers early-stage businesses a credit. Use it to build a business wiki, track OKRs, or map out customer journeys. You can even connect it to Zapier to automate task creation based on emails or calendar events.
The best part? Once your systems are built, they scale with you.
2. FreshBooks – Accounting Made for Non-Accountants
Invoicing and expense tracking don’t have to be a headache. FreshBooks is an accounting platform designed with entrepreneurs in mind—especially service-based businesses and freelancers.
FreshBooks offers frequent seasonal discounts and features time tracking, estimates, recurring invoices, and tax-time reports. It also integrates with Stripe, Gusto, and Shopify.
If you’re drowning in receipts or forgetting to bill for your time, this is one tool that pays for itself fast.
3. Adobe Express – Design on a Budget (With Free Pro Tools)
Adobe Express offers entrepreneurs a powerful way to create marketing visuals, flyers, business cards, and social media graphics—without needing full Adobe Suite experience.
Adobe regularly offers discounted plans for small business owners, students, and educators, but what really makes Express shine is the robust free tier with professional templates and AI-assisted design tools.
Create custom branded content in minutes, then resize and repurpose it across platforms. Plus, it’s browser-based, which means no heavy downloads or slow load times.
4. HubSpot – CRM Power with a Startup Twist
HubSpot is a go-to CRM and marketing platform that offers sales automation, lead capture forms, email marketing, and more—all in one place.
Through its HubSpot for Startups program, eligible businesses can access a discount on premium plans. That includes full access to the Marketing, Sales, and CMS hubs—ideal for growing businesses that want robust features from day one.
Even on the free plan, HubSpot offers email tracking, pipeline management, and contact segmentation that many CRMs reserve for paid users.
5. Namecheap – Domains and Email with Big Startup Discounts
Every entrepreneur needs a professional domain and branded email—and Namecheap is one of the best low-cost platforms for both.
They frequently run bundle promotions where you can snag a domain, private email, and SSL certificate for a low cost. Their Business Email plans start as low as less than a dollar during seasonal sales.
Bonus: Their “Logo Maker” and “Website Builder” tools are free and surprisingly useful for early-stage branding.
6. PandaDoc – Document Workflow, Streamlined
If your business requires proposals, contracts, or signed agreements, PandaDoc is a powerful tool. It lets you create, send, and e-sign documents quickly—great for coaches, consultants, agencies, and SaaS founders.
PandaDoc offers discounts through partner programs and startup accelerators. Use it to embed pricing tables, track client views, and automate reminders—giving you back time (and peace of mind).
Even the free plan lets you send unlimited documents for e-signature, making it a great entry point.
💼 FAQ: Business Card Design Tips for Modern Entrepreneurs
Even in a digital-first world, a well-designed business card leaves a lasting impression—especially at events, meetups, and client pitches. Below are five frequently asked questions from entrepreneurs looking to level up their business card game.
Q1: What’s the easiest way to design a business card without hiring a designer?
For those looking for a quick and polished option, platforms like Adobe Express offer professional templates that are easy to customize. Their digital business card printing tool lets you design and export print-ready files directly from your browser—no design background needed.
Q2: How much information should I include on a business card?
Stick to the essentials: name, title, company, phone, email, and website. If space allows, a QR code linking to your LinkedIn or portfolio can be a great value-add. Too much info can make the card look cluttered and less memorable.
Q3: What size and format should I use when designing my card?
Design tools like Adobe Express, Vistaprint, and Moo provide preset templates in the correct dimensions and file formats (usually PDF or PNG at 300 DPI with bleed settings).
Q4: Should I design vertical or horizontal cards?
Horizontal is still the most common, but vertical cards stand out—especially for creatives or founders in branding and tech. Choose based on your brand aesthetic and audience. Just ensure the text remains readable and scannable.
Q5: Where should I print my business cards once the design is ready?
There are several high-quality options including Moo, Vistaprint, and Staples. Moo is known for premium finishes, while Vistaprint offers affordable bulk pricing. Always order a small batch first to test print quality before committing.
Entrepreneurship doesn’t require a massive budget—just smart decisions and the right stack. The tools above give you premium functionality at founder-friendly prices, often with discounts built specifically for startups and small business owners.
Whether you’re designing a pitch deck, invoicing a client, or handing over a sleek business card at your next event, these platforms help you build with confidence—without burning through your runway.
