Texas has an extensive network of free business assistance programs funded by federal, state, and local government. These programs provide no-cost advising, training, market research, and technical support to small business owners. The challenge is knowing where to find them and which ones are relevant to your situation.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Texas has the largest SBDC network in the country, with centers at universities and colleges across the state. SBDCs provide free, confidential business advising on topics including:
- Business plan development
- Financial projections and loan packaging
- Market research and feasibility analysis
- Government contracting assistance
- Export readiness assessment
SBDCs are funded by the SBA and the State of Texas. There is no charge for one-on-one advising. Find your nearest SBDC.
SCORE Mentoring
SCORE is a national network of volunteer business mentors. Texas has SCORE chapters in every major metro area. SCORE mentors provide free one-on-one business coaching and host free workshops on topics like marketing, financial management, and business planning. Find your SCORE chapter.
Workforce Solutions Offices
Texas Workforce Solutions offices provide free services to employers including:
- Job posting and candidate screening
- On-the-job training subsidies
- Labor market information
- Skills Development Fund information
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit pre-screening
SBA District Offices
Texas has SBA district offices in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, El Paso, and the Lower Rio Grande Valley. SBA offices provide information about federal programs, disaster loans, and government contracting opportunities. Find your SBA office.
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs)
PTACs help businesses pursue government contracts at the federal, state, and local level. Services are free or low-cost and include registration assistance, bid matching, and proposal review.
University-Based Programs
Several Texas universities operate free business assistance programs beyond SBDCs:
- UT Austin IC2 Institute
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
- University of Houston SBDC network
- UTSA Center for Community and Business Research
City and County Resources
Many Texas cities and counties fund free business assistance through their economic development departments. These programs may include business workshops, one-on-one advising, permit navigation assistance, and connections to local incentive programs. Contact your city’s economic development office to learn what free resources are available in your area.
How to Get the Most From Free Resources
- Start with your SBDC. They can assess your situation and refer you to the most relevant programs.
- Bring specific questions. Free advising sessions are more productive when you come prepared with clear goals.
- Ask about programs you may qualify for. SBDC advisors are trained to identify federal, state, and local programs that match your business.
- Follow up. Building an ongoing relationship with an SBDC advisor or SCORE mentor produces better results than a single visit.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Free business assistance programs can help you prepare, but identifying specific grants, tax credits, and incentives requires matching your business details to program eligibility criteria. Our free screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs and shows you which ones may match. Start your free screening →