What are some designs and layouts for a small business just getting started? I need to do this myself without going to a printer and without buying expensive software. Thank you for considering this question.

This is a mistake many startups make. The one place where you do NOT want to stint is on your marketing materials. An amateur brochure either in design and/or printing WILL reflect poorly on your company.

Check out places like Kinko's or Minuteman Press. You may find that its not that expensive to have a brochure professionally designed and printed.