Small Business Assistance
The Small Business section serves as a focal point in assisting small and historically underutilized businesses and provides sources of contacts and research information that will assist with federal, state and local business issues for small businesses.
Guide to Starting a Business in Texas
The Small Business Guide Section provides the four steps to starting a business. New business owners should always seek the guidance of a professional tax consultant, accountant, and/or attorney to verify all legal requirements are met before operating a business.
Hurricane Relief Information
In the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita a large number of businesses have been impacted. The organizations listed provide additional information and resources to assist in the rebuilding efforts after the hurricanes. The information keeps business owners up to date with the latest information and notices from major governmental agencies.
Common Small Business Links
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Business
License & Permits Listing [200KB PDF] - Potential business start-ups
can determine necessary licenses, permits, certifications,
registrations, and/or authorizations for a specific business on the
federal, state, and local levels.
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Alphabetical Business License & Permits Listing [365KB MSExcel] - Potential business start-ups research licenses, permits, certifications, registrations and/or authorizations for Fee Requirements and approximate Processing times. If you have any questions concerning Fees and Processing times, please contact the appropriate agency for more information.
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Texas Online Business
Portal – TEXAS AT YOUR FINGER TIPS. Online business
registration provides information to potential and existing
business on topics from starting a business to business research
& statistics information.
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State Regulatory Agencies [32KB PDF] – List of state agencies with
regulatory information for businesses in the state. The agencies
provide regulatory oversight for different businesses within
Texas.
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Comptroller
Field Offices– State Tax Information - The
Comptroller's office helps taxpayers comply with sometimes
complicated tax rules and procedures.
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Secretary of State–
Business Corporation Information - The Business and Public Filings
Division consists of four different sections. These sections
maintain filings and records related to Texas corporations,
financial and banking transactions, executive branch commissions,
Legislative mandates, and other public organizations.
- Texas Work Explorer - When workforce development, education and economic development combine efforts effective workforce solutions can be crafted for Texas employers, workers and students. This site is designed to bring together the workforce services offered by Texas State agencies and local partners so customers can easily access information and assistance. Just two clicks and you are on your way to recruiting, job search, education, training, and business expansion assistance.
- Texas Building & Procurement Commission (TBPC) administers the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program. The goal of this program is to promote full and equal business opportunity for all businesses in state contracting. HUB certification increases exposure to 'Information For Bid's' on delegated purchases, open market purchases, term contracts, leases, and construction projects. For complete information visit the TBPC website or call 512/463-5872 or (In Texas) 888/863.5881.
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U.S.
Small Business Administration Business Plan Information –
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides helpful insights
into business planning. They can assist you with information that
identifies your goals, and provide basic components for new and
existing businesses.
Texas Economic Development Corporations
Import / Export Information
The following agencies assist by providing import/export information and development assistance to help small businesses take advantage of export markets, including trade counseling, training, legal assistance and publications.
- Export.gov
- The International Trade Administration
- U.S. Customs and Border Security
- Export/Import Bank of the United States
- U.S. SBA Office of International Trade
U.S. Export Assistance Centers in Texas
The Texas U.S. Export Assistance Centers of the U.S. Department of Commerce is part of the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service, an extensive network of trade specialists located throughout the world devoted to assisting U.S. companies expand their international business presence. We have 165 offices in 82 countries throughout the world. For more information on how we can help your company succeed in the global marketplace, www.buyusa.gov/southcentral
Small Business Development Centers
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides statewide assistance for new and existing businesses needing assistance with federal programs. The centers provide counseling, training and financial assistance for businesses in Texas.
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