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Houston Business Solutions Center

Services Provided by the HBSC
Workshops and Outreach Small Business Services Hire Houston First

Small Business Resources
Business Resource Guide Financial Resources Houston Economic Development Resources
Helpful Links    

Doing Business with the City
Doing Business with the City of Houston Houston Permitting Center S/MWDBE Certification
Business Development for Certified Firms    

Houston Business Solutions Center is a resource of the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity. This resource center for established and aspiring entrepreneurs provides information on city, county, state and federal regulations affecting the operation of Houston area businesses. In addition, the HBSC provides no-cost programs and services that will help small business owners thrive in today’s competitive business environment.

HBSC works closely with the University of Houston Small Business Development Center, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Harris County Clerk, the Texas State Comptroller, the Minority Business Enterprise Center and other agencies. HBSC's extensive referral network includes area professional and trade organizations, business incubators, as well as educational institutions.

No Cost Services:

  • Experienced on-site staff members are available to provide information on permits, licenses, and fee schedules
  • One-on-one business counseling with SCORE Business Advisors
  • “Starting a Small Business” Seminars
  • Business Workshops
  • Information on S/MWPDBE Certification
  • Notary Service
  • References to resources and business planning materials (located one block  from Houston Central Library)

The HBSC is committed to promoting business development in the Houston region. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most up to date information on workshops, outreach events and local business information.

Hire Houston First Growing Area Businesses

“Hire Houston First” promotes economic opportunities for Houston businesses and supports job creation.  The City of Houston spends billions of dollars to maintain and improve the City’s infrastructure, and provide services to the public.  Hire Houston First grants the City the ability to give preference to local companies and local workers, as long as their pricing is competitive.

The Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) administers the Hire Houston First program.  It is the policy of the City of Houston as defined in the Hire Houston First Ordinance Chapter 15, Article XI, to use the City’s spending powers in a manner that promotes fiscal responsibility and maximizes the effectiveness of local tax dollars by ensuring City spending provides business opportunity to city and local businesses as a measure to support the local economy.

If you are interested in becoming eligible to participate in the Hire Houston First Program, you must complete a Hire Houston First application and affidavit (.pdf) or apply online.

If you have questions or would like additional information about the Hire Houston First Program or our other services, please contact the Office of Business Opportunity's Houston Business Solutions Center at 832.393.0954 or visit our website.

To view a list of companies currently designated as “Hire Houston First” go to our Directory Search Page.

"Liftoff Houston!" Business Plan Competition

Liftoff Houston! is the City of Houston’s first business plan competition. The competition is a collaborative effort between Capital One Bank, Houston Public Library (HPL) and the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO), and is designed to engage and empower Houstonians seeking to start a business using the robust resources available through HPL and OBO. More ...

TweetMyJobs Houston

Mayor Annise Parker announced the launch of a new citywide online jobs platform to help Houstonians find work during her State of the City address.  “Tweet My Jobs, Houston” uses innovative technology to combine the popularity of social media and the convenience of a smart phone application.  The free service already has more than 150,000 Houston job postings from entry level to senior level corporate positions. More ...