Technical assistance programs provide free or low-cost expert guidance, training, and counseling to Texas businesses. Unlike grants or loans, these programs deliver value through knowledge and expertise rather than direct funding. For many small businesses, technical assistance is the most practical first step — it helps you identify which funding programs to pursue, how to prepare stronger applications, and how to build operational capacity.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
The Texas SBDC Network is funded by the SBA and provides free, confidential business counseling and low-cost training to small businesses throughout the state. Texas has one of the largest SBDC networks in the country, with centers at universities and community colleges across all regions.
SBDC services include:
- One-on-one business counseling (free)
- Business plan development assistance
- Financial analysis and projections
- Market research and competitive analysis
- Government contracting guidance
- Certification assistance (HUB, 8(a), WOSB)
- Loan packaging and grant application support
- Export assistance and international trade counseling
SBDCs serve businesses at every stage, from pre-launch planning to mature business expansion. There is no cost for one-on-one counseling. Workshops and specialized training programs may have nominal fees.
SCORE Mentoring
SCORE is an SBA resource partner that provides free mentoring from experienced business professionals. Texas has SCORE chapters in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and other cities. SCORE mentors are volunteers with real business experience who provide ongoing guidance, not just one-time advice.
SCORE services include:
- Free one-on-one mentoring (in-person, phone, or video)
- Free and low-cost workshops and webinars
- Industry-specific mentoring
- Startup guidance and business plan review
- Financial management counseling
- Marketing and growth strategy
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs)
PTACs help Texas businesses navigate government contracting at the federal, state, and local levels. Services are free or low-cost and include:
- SAM.gov registration assistance
- Certification guidance (HUB, 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone)
- Bid and proposal preparation
- Contract compliance support
- Market research for government opportunities
- Subcontracting opportunity identification
Texas PTACs are located throughout the state and are particularly valuable for businesses seeking to enter government contracting for the first time.
Women's Business Centers (WBCs)
SBA-funded Women's Business Centers in Texas provide training and counseling to women entrepreneurs. Services include business planning, financial management, marketing, certification assistance, and access to capital guidance. WBCs serve both women-owned businesses and aspiring women entrepreneurs. Texas WBCs are located in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and other cities. Women-owned business resources.
Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)
VBOCs provide technical assistance specifically for veteran entrepreneurs. Services include business plan preparation, mentoring, training, counseling, and referrals to other veteran business resources. The Texas VBOC helps veterans, service members, and military spouses start and grow businesses. Veteran business programs.
Texas Workforce Commission Programs
The TWC provides technical assistance related to workforce development:
- Skills Development Fund consulting: TWC staff help employers structure workforce training partnerships with community colleges for grant-funded training. Workforce training guide.
- Apprenticeship programs: Technical assistance for developing and registering apprenticeship programs.
- Labor market information: Free access to labor market data, wage information, and industry projections to support business planning.
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
The TMAC (Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center) is part of the federal Manufacturing Extension Partnership network and provides technical assistance specifically for Texas manufacturers. Services include process improvement, quality systems, supply chain optimization, workforce development, and technology adoption. Manufacturing programs guide.
Export Assistance
Several organizations provide export-specific technical assistance to Texas businesses:
- U.S. Commercial Service: Export counseling, market research, and trade event support through offices in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, and other cities.
- SBA export counseling: Available through SBDCs and SBA district offices.
- EXIM Bank: Export credit insurance and financing guidance. Export programs guide.
How Technical Assistance Connects to Funding
Technical assistance programs often serve as the bridge to funding programs. SBDC counselors can help you identify which grants or loans to pursue. PTACs can help you get certified for government contracting. SCORE mentors can help you prepare stronger applications. Starting with free technical assistance before pursuing funding is often the most efficient path.
Our screening report can help identify the funding programs that may match your business, while the technical assistance providers listed above can help you prepare to pursue them. Start your free screening →