Texas businesses seeking free government-funded assistance encounter three primary networks: SBDCs, SCORE, and PTACs. Each serves a different function, and understanding the distinction helps you get the right help for your specific need.
SBDCs (Small Business Development Centers)
Texas operates the largest SBDC network in the country through four regional lead centers:
- What they do: Free one-on-one business advising on business planning, financial analysis, market research, loan packaging, grant identification, and operational improvement
- Who funds them: SBA and host universities (UT San Antonio, UH, UT Dallas, Texas Tech)
- Best for: Comprehensive business planning, financial analysis, identifying programs, packaging loan applications, and resolving operational challenges
- Advisors: Paid professional staff with business expertise, often with industry-specific knowledge
- Confidential: All advising is confidential and protected by federal regulation
SCORE
- What they do: Free volunteer mentoring from retired and experienced business professionals. Workshops on business topics. Template business plans and financial tools.
- Who funds them: SBA funds the national SCORE organization; mentors volunteer their time
- Best for: Ongoing mentoring relationships, industry-specific advice from experienced professionals, accountability, and peer learning through workshops
- Mentors: Volunteer professionals — retired executives, entrepreneurs, and industry experts who donate their time
- Relationship model: Long-term mentoring relationships rather than transactional advising
PTACs (Procurement Technical Assistance Centers)
- What they do: Free assistance with government contracting — federal, state, and local. Help with SAM registration, capability statements, bid identification, proposal writing, and contract compliance.
- Who funds them: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency) and host organizations
- Best for: Businesses pursuing government contracts — federal defense contracts, state agency procurement, and local government purchasing
- Counselors: Paid professional staff with government contracting expertise
- Focus: Exclusively on procurement and contracting, not general business advising
Comparison
- Need a business plan or loan help? Go to your SBDC.
- Need ongoing mentoring from an experienced executive? Go to SCORE.
- Need help winning government contracts? Go to your PTAC.
- Need help identifying grants and incentive programs? Start with your SBDC, which covers the broadest range of programs.
Can You Use All Three?
Yes. The programs are complementary, and using multiple resources simultaneously is encouraged. A business could work with an SBDC on financial planning, have a SCORE mentor for strategic guidance, and use a PTAC for federal contracting. All three are free and federally funded.
How to Find Them in Texas
- SBDC: Visit txsbdc.org or sbdcnational.org to find your nearest center
- SCORE: Visit score.org and search by zip code for your local chapter
- PTAC: Visit aptac-us.org or contact your local SBDC for a referral
Bottom Line
SBDCs, SCORE, and PTACs serve different functions. Use SBDCs for comprehensive business advising, SCORE for mentoring, and PTACs for government contracting. All three are free, and using multiple resources maximizes the value of taxpayer- funded business assistance.
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