Texas Governor Perry
Economic Development

Small Business Assistance

Welcome to the Small Business Advocacy of the Governor’s Office. Small Businesses are the heart of Texas’s economy. Small Businesses create most of the nation’s new jobs, and they bring dynamic ideas, innovative services, and new products to the marketplace. They account for majority of the employers within the State of Texas, and are a driving force behind our State’s economy. New business creation is vital to our ability to increase the gross state product, state personal income, and total state employment.

The Mission of Small Business Advocate is to bridge the gaps that inhibit entrepreneurial growth, and to foster the development of Small Businesses within the State of Texas. This is accomplished through partnerships with Federal, State, and local governmental agencies, Academic Resources, and Economic Development Agencies located throughout the Lone Star State.

TEXAS ONLINE BUSINESS PORTAL – A one-stop shop for business information in Texas.  Including guides to starting a business, permits & licenses, and business statistics

 

Small Business Assistance as a result of Hurricane Ike

Contractors interested in Contracting opportunities with FEMA as a result of the devastation caused by Hurricane Ike please click here


Getting Started

In business, there are no guarantees. There is simply no way to eliminate all the risks associated with starting a small business - but you can improve your chances of success with good planning, preparation, and insight. Start by evaluating your strengths and weaknesses as a potential owner and manager of a small business. Success in business is never automatic. It isn't strictly based on luck - although a little never hurts. It depends primarily on the owner's foresight and organization. Even then, of course, there are no guarantees.

Starting a small business is always risky, and the chance of success is slim. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, roughly 50% of small businesses fail within the first five years. These figures aren't meant to scare you, but to prepare you for the rocky path ahead. Underestimating the difficulty of starting a business is one of the biggest obstacles entrepreneurs face. However, success can be yours if you are patient, willing to work hard, and take all the necessary steps.
Starting a business requires you to complete a number of steps and make some key decisions. Though part of your overall plan, you’ll need to select a location, decide on a business structure, and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. In addition, determining which financing options will meet your short-term needs and long-term goals is crucial. Within this section, we’ll provide information on how to get started.

 

Guide to Starting a Business

These four steps to starting a business are discussed in greater detail in the following four chapters. However, 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.

 


Licensing and Permits

The State of Texas does not require a general “business” license; however, there are a number of regulatory agencies that have licensing and permitting requirements based on the type of service, or products associated with your business. To ensure that all permitting requirements are met you should contact your local county and city governments (or the County or city you plan to conduct business) to determine if there are any additional requirements that must be met. To determine State licensing and permitting requirements, please refer to the following link:
http://www.business.texasonline.com/category.jsp?categoryId=2.1

 

Regional Assistance

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. Small Business Development Centers are located throughout the state. To find the one closest to you, please click one of the following links:

Small Business Administration

The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam.

 

Exporting Resources

These resources are intended to provide small businesses with the tools and resources necessary for competing in the global marketplace. Below are helpful links that provide development assistance to help small businesses take advantage of export markets, including trade counseling, training, legal assistance and publications.

 

Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB)

An Historically Underutilized Business is a business that is at least 51% owned by an Asian Pacific American, Black American, Hispanic American, Native American and/or American woman, is an entity with its principal place of business in Texas, and has an owner residing in Texas with a proportionate interest that actively participates in the control, operations and management of the entity’s affairs. The statewide HUB Program facilitates the use of HUBs in state procurement and provides information on the state’s procurement process to minority and woman- owned businesses. For more information please check here:

HUB-Link http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/hub/