# Best Free Resources and Tools for Startups

Learn about the best resources for startups in the hardware and product design industries—and how to get started with them for free.

![3D rendering of a red drone - SOLIDWORKS](/sites/default/filesd10/styles/webp/public/migration/2024-06/solidworks-startups-resources-hero.jpg.webp)

- [Free CAD for Startups](/solution/solidworks-for-startups-program)

### Learn how to launch a startup

- [Startup School](https://www.startupschool.org/): A free online course on how to launch a startup by Y Combinator

- [Founders Tool Kit](https://www.neverstop.co/founders-toolkit/): Necessary steps to get started

- [StartupNation](https://startupnation.com/category/start-your-business/): Free articles, webinars, and podcasts

### Join a world-class startup accelerator

- [Global Accelerator Network Common Application](https://morrow.co/accelerators/accelerators-member-directory/): An opportunity to be seen by over 100 of the world’s top accelerators

### Discover discounts on tools that successful startups love

- [Google for Startups](https://startup.google.com/)

- [AWS Cloud Credits](https://aws.amazon.com/startups)

- [AngelList](https://www.angellist.com/)

## Funding Resources for Startups

**You know you have a great idea, prototype, or product. But how do you get others to fund your vision?** One way is to check out these capital resources for entrepreneurs and also visit our page on how to

- [get funding for a startup business](/solution/solidworks-for-startups-program/how-get-funding-startups-sources-and-opportunities).

- [Fundera](https://www.fundera.com/business-loans) is a free startup tool that matches you up with the right lenders and helps you compare loan options. Just answer a few simple questions.
- [Grants.gov](https://grants.gov/) lets you search for small business grants by keyword and category. Grants are an excellent funding option because they don’t need to be paid back.
- [Wefunder](https://wefunder.com/) is one of the largest equity crowdfunding sites. It connects you with investors who provide capital in exchange for a future equity stake.
- [StartEngine](https://www.startengine.com/) is another leading equity crowdfunding platform. The approval process can be complex, but with 1.7 million potential investors, it’s worth it.
- [Fundable](https://www.fundable.com/) is a crowdfunding site that lets you choose between rewards, like providing a copy of the product, or equity in return for an investment.
- [Foundersuite](https://foundersuite.com/) is a fundraising management platform where you can find investor information, contact investors, track your interactions, and stay organized.

## Free Software Tools for Startups

**Startups need software for everything from business management and operations to product design and testing**. No matter what you’re looking for, you can find free resources for entrepreneurs that will help your new business succeed.

- Product Development: [SOLIDWORKS for Startups](/solution/solidworks-for-startups-program) offers free access to industry-leading 3D product design and simulation, data management, and other advanced product development software from the 3DEXPERIENCE® Works portfolio.
- Website builder: [Wix](https://www.wix.com/) has more than 800 free templates and an easy-to-use interface. Keep in mind that with most free website builders, you can’t use a custom website address.
- Marketing: If you need marketing help, check out

- [Buffer](https://buffer.com/) and

- [Canva](https://www.canva.com/) for social media, and HubSpot’s

- [Free CRM](https://www.hubspot.com/products/crm) and

- [Marketing Software](https://www.hubspot.com/products/marketing/free) for customer relationship management and lead generation.
- Accounting: [Wave](https://www.waveapps.com/) lets you send customized invoices, accept payments (with a transaction fee), and perform basic accounting as part of its free plan.
- Scheduling: [Calendly](https://calendly.com/) connects with all the tools you use to streamline and automate meeting scheduling—an essential resource for entrepreneurs.
- Conferencing: [FreeConferenceCall](https://www.freeconferencecall.com/) steps in with a six-hour maximum and up to 1,000 participants when Zoom’s 40-minute time limit leaves startups hanging.
- Analytics: Google rules startup resources for Analytics and reporting. Use

- [Google Analytics](https://analytics.withgoogle.com/) to collect data, [BigQuery](https://cloud.google.com/bigquery) to store analytics and other marketing data, and

- [Looker Studio](https://lookerstudio.google.com/overview) to make sense of it.

## Free Mentoring Resources for Startups

**Don’t overlook the power of mentorship to help you build a successful business**. Mentoring can not only provide you with valuable advice and expertise, but also connect you with other entrepreneurship resources.

- [LinkedIn](https://business.linkedin.com/) is a great place to start networking. It also has plenty of resources for startups, including free educational courses, live streams, and a newsletter.
- [U.S. Small Business Administration](https://www.sba.gov/) (SBA) has been helping startups since 1953, with a variety of programs and resources, including help with business plans and funding. Also check out your area for SBA-run Small Business Development Centers.
- [Google for Startups](https://startup.google.com/) is a resource page that can connect you with product experts, investors, and mentors. It also offers a variety of online programs.
- [SCORE](https://www.score.org/) is a well-known, U.S.-based mentoring program. Just fill out the form and they’ll match you up with an experienced mentor in your industry.
- [SOLIDWORKS Accelerator and Incubator Community](/solution/business-segments/entrepreneurs-startups/accelerator-and-incubator-community-members) is a group of organizations that provide support and resources to early-stage startups.
- [Masters of Scale](https://mastersofscale.com/) is a renowned podcast that helps startup founders and entrepreneurs address their most pressing challenges and scale growth.

## Legal Services for Startups

**Having a patent on your product can help you get funding and grow your startup—but how do you get one?** And what else do you need to do to protect your intellectual property (IP)? Check out these legal resources for startups to find out what you need to know.

- The

- [U.S. Patent and Trademark Office](https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/access-our-free-services) offers many free resources, including application assistance. You can also find information on expedited processes for

- [first-time filers](https://www.uspto.gov/initiatives/first-time-filer-expedited-examination-program) and

- [products that help mitigate climate change](https://www.uspto.gov/patents/laws/patent-related-notices/climate-change-mitigation-pilot-program).
- [Lawtrades](https://www.lawtrades.com/) can match you with lawyers at your budget specializing in corporate, IP, compliance, and contract law. It also has reviews, free consultations, and price quotes.
- [RocketLawyer](https://www.rocketlawyer.com/) has free legal templates for common documents, like noncompete and nondisclosure agreements, independent contractor agreements, and company policies.
- [TermsFeed](https://www.termsfeed.com/) helps you stay compliant with the law by generating privacy policies, terms and conditions, end-user license agreements, terms of use, and more.
- [Startup Lawyer](https://startuplawyer.com/) offers a comprehensive blog on common legal issues entrepreneurs face, plus a legal glossary with over 500 terms.

## Best Events and Conferences for Startups

Events and conferences are essential for entrepreneurs to network and grow. But you might not have the thousands of dollars you need to attend some of them. Check out these event and conference resources for startups and new businesses. Some are free, while others are affordable.

- The

- [Small Business Expo](https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com/) is the country’s largest business trade show. It’s held throughout the year all around the U.S., and best of all, it’s completely free.
- [Techstars Startup Weekends](https://www.techstars.com/events) are free, three-day educational events anyone can attend to learn about designing, prototyping, and pitching their product ideas.
- [Invention-Con](https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/events/invention-con-event-series) is the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s annual conference, providing must-have info on intellectual property for inventors like you.
- [Startup Grind](https://startupgrind.tech/conference/) brings together thousands of founders and investors for workshops and panels on all things about the startup life. Tickets start at $249.
- [Unleash](https://unleash.outreach.io/) is a sales engagement conference offering top advice from companies like LinkedIn and Amazon. The earliest tickets start at $599.

## Discover Business Tools for Startups from SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS for Startups helps hardware startup founders turn their napkin sketches into physical products with our world-class product development solutions. Apply now to unlock free resources.

![solidworks-startups-resources-footer-banner-2.jpg](/sites/default/filesd10/styles/webp/public/migration/2024-06/solidworks-startups-resources-footer-banner-2.jpg.webp)

- [Apply now](/solution/solidworks-for-startups-program/startups-application)

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