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Software subscription fees can quickly add up, and for small-business owners, entrepreneurs, or freelancers, these costs can eat into profits. Businesses spend approximately 29% of their IT budgets on software, according to a 2023 survey by Gartner.

For business professionals who are looking to streamline workflow without paying steep subscription fees, the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle might be the perfect solution. For just $71.94 (regularly $927), this comprehensive four-part bundle offers Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019, Windows 11 Pro, Project 2019, and Visio 2019.

While it’s not the newest version of Microsoft’s software, it can deliver tremendous value for anyone seeking tools to manage their business, boost productivity, and work efficiently. The bundle offers a lifetime license, meaning you’ll get all the functionality you need without the recurring costs associated with subscription services like Microsoft 365.

However, it does come with Windows 11 Pro, which includes the recent AI updates. Windows 11 Pro delivers a modern, intuitive interface with enhanced security features such as biometric login and Smart App Control, making it ideal for professionals who prioritize privacy and usability. It’s also equipped with tools that support multitasking, such as Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops.

For companies looking to reduce overhead without compromising essential functionality, making a one-time purchase of slightly older software is a smart financial move. This includes Office’s most popular productivity tools, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Project 2019 is a must-have for anyone who is managing large or small projects. It helps track tasks, timelines, and resources, making it easier to stay on top of deadlines and ensure your team moves in the right direction. Project 2019 gives you the tools to streamline processes and manage tasks efficiently.

Visio 2019 is ideal for creating professional diagrams, flowcharts, and organizational charts. It’s particularly valuable for visualizing complex data or workflows, which is essential for business owners looking to improve operational efficiency.

If you need a productivity boost without eating into savings, take a closer look at this bundle.

Get the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle with Office, Project, Visio, and Windows 11 Pro for $71.94 (regularly $927).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The most recent data from the new Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report reveals a powerful trend for the future of entrepreneurship.

Young adults, aged 18-24, had both the highest entrepreneurial activity and entrepreneurial intentions in the United States, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2023-2024 United States Report. With similar results in 2022, this is not just a minor shift — it’s a fundamental change that could have lasting impacts on the economy and society.

I serve as the chair of the board for the Global Entrepreneurship Research Association, the entity that oversees GEM, which was founded in 1999 as a joint venture of Babson College and the London Business School. As the GEM U.S. team co-leader and a professor of entrepreneurship at Babson, I see firsthand the impact of the research created by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.

Here are three entrepreneurship trends from the new GEM report that are changing the landscape for the future.

Related: 21 Success Tips for Young and Aspiring Entrepreneurs

1. Young entrepreneurs on the rise

For years, entrepreneurship has been dominated by older, more experienced individuals, but this year’s report shows that the youngest adults are now at the forefront. According to GEM, 24% of 18- to 24-year-olds are engaged in some form of entrepreneurial activity, a higher rate than any other age group. What’s driving these young entrepreneurs is equally remarkable: They aren’t just starting businesses to make money; many are deeply committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment.

These young entrepreneurs make sustainability a key priority. They are more likely than entrepreneurs from older generations to build businesses with sustainability as a core focus — whether that means reducing their environmental footprint or focusing on social causes. This shift toward impact-driven entrepreneurship isn’t just anecdotal. GEM data shows a significant number of young entrepreneurs taking real, measurable steps to create businesses that align with their values. With sustainability as their north star, young entrepreneurs appear to be simultaneously pursuing societal impact as well as profits.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. While young people are leading the way in starting businesses, they are also discontinuing them at higher rates than their older counterparts. The discontinuation rate for 18- to 24-year-olds is 15%, the highest among all age groups. This is not surprising, given the challenges of inexperience and more limited access to capital. Starting a business is tough, and sustaining one is even more challenging. But despite these hurdles, the enthusiasm and energy that young people bring to entrepreneurship are undeniable, and with the right support, this generation has the potential to drive substantial change.

2. Tech gender gap narrows

One of the most promising findings in the GEM report is the narrowing gender gap in the technology sector. Historically, tech startups have been dominated by men, but 2023 saw a record-low difference in the number of men and women starting tech companies. The gap has narrowed to just 1%, with 8% of women compared with 9% of men launching businesses in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

This is a significant step forward and reflects broader efforts to support more women technology startups. Still, it’s important to recognize that while progress is being made, continued focus on providing equal opportunities is essential to ensuring this trend continues.

3. Optimistic outlook for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs

Another highlight from the report is the optimistic outlook among Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. These groups showed stronger confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities and lower fear of failure compared to their white counterparts. Black respondents, in particular, demonstrated high levels of resilience and self-assurance, which is vital in overcoming barriers faced in starting and sustaining businesses. This optimism is encouraging, but there’s still much work to be done in assuring ecosystems offer equal opportunities for all aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their background.

Related: I Wish I Received This Advice as a Young Entrepreneur

A promising future

Reflecting on the key findings of this year’s GEM report, it’s clear that the entrepreneurial landscape is changing in meaningful ways. The rise of young, sustainability-driven entrepreneurs signals a future where business is not only about profit but also about making a difference. These young entrepreneurs are launching businesses at a time when the world is looking for solutions to some of its most pressing challenges — climate change, poverty and economic recovery.

Yet, to fully realize the potential of this next generation, there must be more focus on addressing the challenges they encounter. Young entrepreneurs need access to the right resources — whether it’s funding, education or mentorship — to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. The narrowing gender gap in tech is encouraging, but we must continue to foster environments that support women and other underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.

The GEM report paints a picture of an entrepreneurial future driven by purpose, diversity and innovation. But it also reminds us of the work that lies ahead in making entrepreneurship more accessible and sustainable. If we can provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need, we will not only see more businesses being created — we’ll see businesses that are making a lasting, positive impact on the world.

Restaurants in 2024 tend to be filled with Instagramable spots and a robust menu that can appeal to a variety of TikTok trends. But the new Italian bistro, Cotoletta, in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood, has become a buzzy new addition to the Magic City’s scorching-hot dining scene because of its decidedly pared-back approach.

The menu only offers one entrée, the Cotoletta alla Milanese.

The restaurant opened last week, serving its single, perfected veal cutlet, and has garnered much fanfare. The dish is based on the classic Veal Milanese and is served with a side.

Related: Want to Open a Restaurant? Here’s a Step-By-Step Guide

Restaurateur Andrea Fraquelli of 84 Magic Hospitality told the Miami Herald that the simplicity adds a “human touch” to dining.

“We’ve all had Cotoletta alla Milanese before, but rare in the way the Milanese intended,” he told the outlet. “It’s been imitated and altered over the years, but here, we’re focused on doing justice to this dish.”

Cotoletta offers a prix fixe menu for two at $80 that includes Cotoletta alla Milanese and a choice of side: pasta, fries, or salad. Desserts are $9 each, and there’s also a wine list.

Related: An Ivy League Sophomore Says He Found a $105,000 Side Hustle: Selling Coveted Restaurant Reservations

Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance — which protects business leaders from personal losses if they are sued due to their decisions made on behalf of the company — is a critical component of risk management for businesses of all sizes. Small to mid-size businesses (SMBs) and non-profits, in particular, face growing pressure to secure this coverage as they navigate regulatory complexities, market volatility and increased exposure to lawsuits. The outcome of the 2024 election will likely shape the Directors & Officers insurance market in several key ways, particularly through changes in regulatory frameworks, litigation risk and corporate governance expectations.

1. Regulatory and compliance pressures

D&O insurance premiums are heavily influenced by the regulatory environment that business leaders operate within. Regulatory enforcement and new compliance requirements can significantly increase the exposure of directors and officers to lawsuits and regulatory actions, impacting the cost and availability of Directors & Officers insurance.

Republican influence: If Republicans gain control, we could see a rollback of certain regulations, particularly in sectors such as finance, healthcare and environmental protection. Reduced regulatory enforcement may lower litigation risks for directors and officers, which could stabilize or even reduce the cost of Directors & Officers premiums for SMBs. However, less regulation could also lead to greater public scrutiny and private litigation, which could offset some of these benefits, especially in industries where consumers or shareholders are more likely to take legal action in response to perceived misconduct. This could potentially affect non-profits more than most businesses.

Democratic influence: A Democratic victory could lead to more robust regulatory enforcement, especially in areas like environmental compliance, data privacy and corporate governance. This increased regulatory pressure may heighten the risks for directors and officers, making the cost of Directors & Officers insurance more expensive and harder to secure. SMBs, which often have less robust compliance programs than larger corporations, could see a significant uptick in the cost of their Directors & Officers premiums in the elevated risk of regulatory actions and lawsuits.

Related: Do You Have the Right Insurance for Your Business? Here’s How to Understand Your Options

2. Litigation risk and corporate accountability

D&O insurance protects business leaders against lawsuits from shareholders, employees, competitors and regulatory bodies. The legal landscape that shapes these risks can shift dramatically based on political control, impacting the frequency and severity of claims filed against directors and officers.

Republican influence: A more business-friendly environment under Republican leadership may reduce the overall litigation risk for companies, potentially easing the burden on Directors & Officers insurers. There may be fewer regulations and less aggressive enforcement of corporate accountability laws, resulting in lower claims activity. This could translate into lower premiums for SMBs, as insurers face reduced risk of large payouts.

Democratic influence: A Democratic-led administration could lead to increased accountability measures, such as more aggressive oversight on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues and expanded legal protections for employees and shareholders. These policies could lead to a higher frequency of lawsuits, particularly around issues of corporate governance, labor practices and climate-related risks. As a result, Directors & Officers insurers may raise premiums or tighten underwriting standards, especially for SMBs that might not have the same level of risk management resources as larger companies.

3. ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) considerations

The push for stronger ESG standards has already begun influencing the Directors & Officers insurance market, with insurers increasingly focusing on how companies manage risks related to climate change, diversity and corporate ethics. The 2024 election could either accelerate or slow down this trend, affecting how D&O policies are priced and underwritten.

Republican policies: A Republican administration may downplay the importance of ESG regulations, reducing the pressure on businesses to meet stringent ESG criteria. This could lead to fewer claims related to ESG failures, keeping the cost of Directors & Officers insurance premiums lower for businesses not heavily invested in ESG compliance. However, directors and officers may still face reputational risks, which could result in private litigation even in the absence of regulatory enforcement.

Democratic policies: A Democratic government is likely to intensify the focus on ESG issues, increasing the expectations placed on directors and officers to ensure that their companies comply with environmental standards, social justice initiatives and governance reforms. This heightened scrutiny could lead to more claims being filed against directors for failing to meet these expectations, pushing up the cost of Directors & Officers insurance premiums even higher for businesses seen as lagging in ESG efforts. SMBs, in particular, may struggle to meet these requirements, further increasing their risk exposure. This may become an added benefit or consequence for non-profits depending on their market and mission.

4. Cybersecurity Risks and D&O Insurance

Cybersecurity is an area of growing concern for directors and officers, especially in an increasingly digital world. The exposure to lawsuits stemming from data breaches, ransomware attacks and failure to protect sensitive customer information is on the rise, and D&O policies are evolving to address these risks.

Republican Influence: A Republican administration may adopt a lighter regulatory touch when it comes to cybersecurity, focusing more on voluntary guidelines rather than strict enforcement. While this could reduce immediate compliance costs for businesses, it may increase litigation risk if cyberattacks lead to major breaches and subsequent shareholder lawsuits. Directors and officers could still be held personally liable for failing to implement adequate cybersecurity protections, which could impact the cost of Directors & Officers premiums.

Democratic Influence: A Democratic administration may impose stricter regulations around data privacy and cybersecurity. This could lead to greater liability for directors and officers, especially if their companies suffer breaches or fail to meet enhanced security standards. Insurers may respond to this heightened risk by raising the cost of Directors & Officers premiums, particularly for businesses in sectors that are frequent targets of cyberattacks, such as healthcare, finance, and retail.

October is National Cyber Security month and a great time to audit your online security. During this annual event, government and cybersecurity leaders and the insurance community, come together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. If you want to audit your cybersecurity, here are nine essential cybersecurity controls you can implement to manage your exposure.

Related: 5 Tips for Business Owners to Control Insurance Premiums

Navigating the D&O insurance landscape post-election

For small and mid-size businesses and non-profits, the D&O insurance market is likely to experience significant shifts depending on the outcome of the 2024 election. The regulatory environment, litigation landscape and corporate governance expectations will play a critical role in shaping the cost of Directors & Officers insurance.

Regardless of the election outcome, SMBs should prepare for potential changes by reassessing their risk management strategies and ensuring that their directors and officers are well-protected against evolving risks. Working closely with insurance brokers to tailor D&O coverage to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of the business will be crucial in maintaining effective coverage at a reasonable cost in the post-election environment.

Nvidia’s Blackwell AI chip, the same one that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said had “insane” demand, is now free of a design error that caused a production delay.

According to a Wednesday Reuters report, Huang said that the design mistake “was 100% Nvidia’s fault.”

“We had a design flaw in Blackwell,” he stated. “It was functional, but the design flaw caused the yield to be low.”

He specified the nature of the problem, stating that “in order to make a Blackwell computer work, seven different types of chips were designed from scratch and had to be ramped into production at the same time.” After fixing the design flaw, Nvidia has been producing Blackwell “at an incredible pace,” Huang said.

Related: Here’s Why Nvidia Just Broke Another Record and Could Take Apple’s Crown as the Most Valuable Company in the World

The chips were supposed to ship in the second quarter of this year, but are now shipping in the fourth quarter.

^{Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang displays a Blackwell chip. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images}

Reports that Blackwell could be delayed ramped up in August, causing Nvidia shares to drop. Since then, the stock has climbed back up, growing over 188% year-to-date at the time of writing.

Related: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Says Nuclear Energy ‘Is a Wonderful Way Forward’ to Keep AI Data Centers Running

Huang has previously said that intense demand was the one thing that kept him up at night and that everyone wanted to be the first to use the Blackwell chip.

“We have a lot of people on our shoulders, and everybody is counting on us,” he said last month.

Snags in Blackwell production affect some of the world’s biggest tech companies, which are Nvidia’s biggest customers. Over 40% of Nvidia’s revenue comes from just four clients: Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft.

Related: Here’s How the CEOs of Salesforce and Nvidia Use ChatGPT in Their Daily Lives

NYU Stern professor and serial entrepreneur Scott Galloway says “AI is not going to take your job” — but people who know how to use it might.

In an episode of the Masters of Scale podcast, which aired earlier this month, Galloway advised anyone who thinks their job might be at risk of automation to start using AI.

Related: This One Talent Is ‘the Greatest Skill You Can Develop’ for Entrepreneurship, Says Professor Scott Galloway

“I would say try to take 15, 30, 60 minutes a day, even if it’s spending time with your kids to try and time sneaker drops — which I’m doing with my 14-year-old — using AI,” he said. “Just get competent with it.”

Galloway, who sold his media business L2 for $134 million in 2017, initially experimented with the tech by having AI write for him based on prompts. He quickly realized how much AI wrote “like a computer” or in a bland way.

“I’ve used AI for every component of my job, and I find it can’t replace anything,” he said.

Related: Worried About AI Stealing Your Job? A New Report Calls These 10 Careers ‘AI-Proof’

Galloway says he now uses AI more as a “thought partner” than a writer. He consults AI for information, asks it to create a pitch deck, and prompts it to ask him questions like an investor based on the pitch deck. AI doesn’t replace the tasks Galloway has to do; it augments them.

“What I would say is just start using [AI], and your own mind will start figuring out ways you can incorporate it,” Galloway said. “You’re the warrior. This is a weapon, but you’re the warrior.”

^{Scott Galloway. Photo by Tobias Hase/Picture Alliance via Getty Images}

Galloway’s recommendations come as tasks like writing and coding have increasingly become automated. In August, Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman predicted a future where AI does most of the coding for software engineers. In April, Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti encouraged computer science majors in college to study philosophy as well in order to develop the reasoning skills to interact with AI.

As for writing, one expert estimates that 90% of all online content will be AI-generated by the end of next year.

Related: How Close Is AI to Actually Stealing Your Dream Job?

OpenAI recently secured $6.6 billion in funding at a valuation of $157 billion, but it’s far from the only AI company with high fundraising potential. Investors poured $2.9 billion from July to September (Q3) of 2024 into the latest U.S.-based AI startups, per PitchBook data.

The three startups in the U.S. that received some of the most funding were software development AI startup Magic, enterprise ChatGPT startup Glean, and AI document search startup Hebbia, per TechCrunch. The three raised $320 million, $260 million, and $130 million respectively in the third quarter.

Magic is creating AI that can write code and Glean is working on an AI search app for businesses. Hebbia focuses on AI agents for finance, law, and big companies.

An earlier PitchBook report from August shows that investor interest in AI is long-term and extends beyond the last quarter. The report showed that AI comprised 41% of U.S. VC deals in the first half of 2024, with $38.6 billion of the $93.4 billion total in VC deals going to AI startups.

Related: AI Startups Raised $50 Billion Last Year, But Some Investors Are Starting to Pass — Here’s Why

Going back further to last year, AI was one of the few industries with the most growth in unicorn startups, or businesses with a valuation over $1 billion. In an otherwise tough fundraising year, the number of AI unicorns grew by 22.9%.

Even as it presents opportunities, AI carries its own unique set of challenges. For one, the cost of developing an AI model is high. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei stated in July that it would take $10 billion to train AI “better than most humans at most things.” He estimated that AI companies would reach that point within the next three years and that now it takes about $100 million to train an AI model.

AI also has a hefty electric bill. Microsoft, Google, and other big tech companies are turning to nuclear power as a source of carbon-free energy; AI helped increase Google’s greenhouse emissions by 48% within four years.

Still, AI remains an area of high interest among founders. 156 out of the 208 startups accepted to the summer class of Y Combinator, an acclaimed startup accelerator, focused on AI.

Related: Y Combinator Helped Launch Reddit, Airbnb and Dropbox. Here’s What I Learned From Its Free Startup School.

One startup founder not affiliated with Y Combinator, Sahil Agarwal of AI safety startup Enkrypt AI, talked to Entrepreneur earlier this year about the dangers and opportunities AI poses.

“What ChatGPT did is it made AI real for everyone,” he said.

As small and midsize businesses (SMBs) continue to face economic challenges, reducing software costs has become a significant focus for entrepreneurs and small business owners. According to McKinsey, approximately 60% of SMBs actively price shop for technology and software and are looking for cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.

Going back to the software basics could be one way to cut costs. Through October 27 only, you can choose from Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac or Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for just $24.97 (reg. $229).

This lifetime license gives business professionals the essential tools they need, from Word to Excel, PowerPoint, and more, without ongoing subscriptions or unexpected renewal fees. For those not ready to upgrade their operating systems or who prefer predictable, one-time costs, this offer is a game changer.

While it’s not the latest version, Office 2019 is still packed with value and perfect for those who don’t need all the cloud-based features of Office 365. Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or IT professional, this deal provides a robust suite of tools to boost productivity, security, and flexibility—all while staying offline and keeping your data on your terms.

For professionals on a budget, Office 2019 offers a lifetime license—pay once, use forever. Unlike Office 365’s subscription model, there’s no need to worry about ongoing monthly fees or surprise price hikes. For entrepreneurs looking to manage costs, this ensures you know exactly what you’re paying and when, with no hidden fees down the line.

For Mac users, Office 2019 is compatible with macOS Mojave (10.14) or newer—so you don’t have to upgrade to the latest operating system like Monterey or Ventura. On Windows, Office Professional 2019 works with Windows 10 or 11.

Pick up one of these lifetime licenses at this reduced price through October 27:

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Data storage is more critical than ever for business leaders and entrepreneurs. With digital files growing exponentially, having secure, reliable, and easily accessible storage is essential for staying organized and efficient.

The Complete 1TB Cloud and 1TB Hard Drive Storage Lifetime Bundle offers a powerful solution—lifetime access to 1TB of cloud storage with FolderFort and a portable USB 3.0 1TB external hard drive, all for just $89.97 (reg. $341).

Data management is no longer just about storing files—it’s about securely organizing, quickly accessing, and easily sharing them across platforms. Since many businesses rely heavily on digital content, from presentations and documents to high-definition videos and large datasets, having the right storage tools is a game-changer.

1TB FolderFort cloud storage

1TB of Cloud Storage gives you access to your files from anywhere, anytime. FolderFort is a user-friendly, secure cloud storage platform designed for professionals. It allows you to upload, manage, and share files easily with unlimited users, making it perfect for team collaborations. Need to share sensitive documents or large files with clients? You can create public or restricted-access links in seconds.

Unlimited Workspaces allow you to create specific environments for different projects or teams. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or managing multiple projects, FolderFort makes organizing easy. The cloud platform is also scalable, allowing you to upgrade if your storage needs grow—no downtime, no hassle.

Portable USB 3.0 1TB external hard drive

The 1TB external hard drive is perfect for offline access or physical backups. It’s ultra-slim, lightweight, and portable, so you can take it wherever your business takes you. Whether you’re backing up large media files or storing important documents, this hard drive delivers high-speed data transfers at up to 120Mbps read and 104Mbps write speeds.

Its wide compatibility ensures you can connect it to Windows, Mac, Linux, and even smart TVs and gaming consoles. Whether you’re working across multiple platforms or storing files for different purposes, the external hard drive is a secure, flexible solution.

Don’t miss this limited-time offer on a storage solution that gives you options.

The Complete 1TB Cloud and 1TB Hard Drive Storage Lifetime Bundle is on sale for just $89.97 (reg. $341).

StackSocial prices subject to change.