Texas small business owners have access to a wide range of government and nonprofit resources beyond grants and loans. From free counseling and training to procurement assistance and regulatory guidance, these resources help businesses start, grow, and compete. This guide catalogs the most important small business resources available in Texas.
Free Business Counseling
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
The Texas SBDC network is one of the largest in the country, with centers hosted at universities and community colleges across the state. SBDCs provide free, confidential, one-on-one counseling on business plans, financial projections, funding applications, marketing, operations, and government contracting. Major host institutions include the University of Houston, University of Texas at San Antonio, University of Texas at Dallas, and Texas Tech University.
SCORE Mentoring
SCORE provides free mentoring from experienced business professionals and retired executives. Texas has active SCORE chapters in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, and other metro areas. Mentors offer guidance on business strategy, operations, marketing, and financial management. SCORE also offers free webinars and workshops throughout the year.
Women's Business Centers
SBA-funded Women's Business Centers across Texas provide counseling, training, and resources for women entrepreneurs. Services include business plan development, financial literacy training, marketing assistance, and help navigating government programs.
Veterans Business Outreach Centers
The SBA funds Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) that provide business development assistance to veteran entrepreneurs. Services include pre-business workshops, concept assessments, business plan preparation, and mentoring.
Workforce and Training Resources
Texas Workforce Solutions
The Texas Workforce Commission operates Workforce Solutions offices throughout the state. These offices provide job posting services, employee recruitment assistance, labor market information, and access to workforce training programs. They can connect employers with WIOA-funded on-the-job training programs that reimburse a portion of new hire wages during a training period.
Community College Partnerships
Texas community and technical colleges offer customized workforce training through the Skills Development Fund and on their own initiative. Many colleges maintain industry advisory boards and develop training programs aligned with local employer needs.
Certification and Procurement Resources
Texas HUB Certification
The Texas Comptroller administers the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program, which provides state procurement preferences to eligible businesses. HUB certification is free and opens access to billions in state contracting opportunities. See our HUB certification guide.
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs)
PTACs help businesses understand and compete for government contracts at the federal, state, and local level. Texas PTACs provide free counseling on registration requirements, bid preparation, compliance, and contracting strategy. PTAC services are available for businesses pursuing contracts with any government entity.
SBA Contracting Programs
Beyond HUBZone and 8(a), the SBA operates several programs that help small businesses compete for federal contracts, including the All Small Mentor-Protege Program and various contracting set-asides.
Regulatory and Compliance Resources
Texas Secretary of State
The Secretary of State's office handles business entity filings, assumed name certificates, and registered agent requirements. Their website provides information on entity formation, annual report requirements, and business name availability.
Texas Comptroller
The Comptroller's office administers franchise tax, sales tax, and tax permits. They provide online tools for tax filing, permit applications, and compliance verification. The Comptroller also administers several tax exemption programs relevant to businesses.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
TDLR oversees licensing for dozens of business types and professions in Texas. Their website provides information on licensing requirements, applications, and continuing education for regulated businesses.
Industry-Specific Resources
- Texas Department of Agriculture: Programs for agricultural businesses including the GO TEXAN marketing program, rural economic development, and agricultural financing.
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Environmental compliance assistance, small business environmental assistance program, and emissions reduction grants.
- Railroad Commission of Texas: Regulatory guidance for oil, gas, mining, and pipeline operations.
- Texas Economic Development Corporation: Business attraction and retention resources, site selection assistance, and incentive program coordination.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Beyond these resources, Texas businesses can access grants, tax credits, government-backed loans, and local incentive programs. Our free screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs and shows you which ones may match. Start your free screening →