Business Startup 101 : Texas State SBDC : Texas State University

Where do I begin?

Starting a small business in Texas can be daunting. We have combined a list of tools below to help you succeed in your new venture!

Check out our on-demand videos of past events!

Pre-Recorded Workshops

7 Action Items To Consider When Starting A Business

Writing A Business Plan

This is an essential tool to make which will make sure you are staying on track with the goals you have set out for yourself.

It's All About Location

For those who seek to have a brick-and-mortar location, this is perhaps the most important decision as our economy grows. Be sure to do your research!

Time Is Money

Be sure you have an understanding on how much you need to start your business as this will be an ongoing concern as you grow/expand.

Who Is In Charge?

Deciding on how to structure your business is important as this determines personal liability of the founders, how taxes are paid, etc.

Mo Money, Mo Problems

Taxes are a required obligation that every for-profit business must adhere to. Regardless of business structure, be aware of those that apply to you.

Licenses & Permit, Oh My

To assure you are conducting business legally in your area, be sure to visit Business permit office to provide those required for your industry.

Federal/State Requirement

As an employer, it is your responsibility to know what laws pertain to your industry and employees.

Business Plan

Business Plan Writing

In this on-demand workshop, you will learn about the essentials of starting up a business and understand how to write a business plan.

Market Research & Competitive Analysis

Market Research

Market research helps you find customers for your business. Competitive analysis helps you make your business unique.

OpenStax- Free Business Resources

Virtual Biz Resources

OpenStax offers free, easy-to-use business textbooks that meet course standards and are accessible online.

View Resources

Training / Workshops

View our on demand workshops along with upcoming events to help your business succeed!

SBA Programs

The federal government uses special programs to help small businesses win at least at 23 percent of all federal contracting dollars each year.

View Programs

Exporting

There is significant opportunity for small businesses to profit through exporting. There is a wealth of information regarding exporting at www.export.gov. The Export Assistance Centers have published a 6-step checklist for those exploring exporting:

1. Take the Export Readiness Self Assessment
2. Training & Counseling
3. Create an Export Business Plan
4. Conduct Market Research
5. Find Buyers
6. Financial considerations

To View Site, Click Here

Small Business Local Resources

Click on each one to view advising, workshops, and resources!

SBDC's
We provides advising and training which help millions of entrepreneurs fulfill their small business dreams.

SCORE
Mentors who volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business owners achieve success.

Women's Business Centers
Counseling and training and focus on women who want to start, grow, and expand their small business.

Small Business Administration (SBA) — Small Business Administration
Connecting entrepreneurs with lenders and funding to help them plan, start and grow their business.

Access to Financing

SBA

Commercial Lending, Investing & Financial Management Services For Your Business.

PeopleFund

Provides small business loans to established businesses, nonprofits, and start-ups creating economic opportunity and financial stability

LiftFund

A community based business lender also known as a Community Financial Development Institution (CDFI)- helps startups and entrepreneurs with funding.

Capital CDC

Co-Lender financing designed for entrepreneurs to support your growing business.

Texas CDC

Texas Certified Development Company makes it easy for eligible small business owners to apply for SBA 504 loans.

ACCION

Make equity and quasi-equity investments in companies that expand, improve, and accelerate financial inclusion.

Alternative Financing / Grants

Grants.gov

SBIR/STTR

Angel Investors

Small Business Referrals/Resources

Click on each button to view dedicated small business resources.

Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS)

Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal

Library Resources

2025 Professional Referrals V.6.2025 (XLSX, 20.1KB)

SBDC Austin Libraries (XLSX, 16.9KB)

City of Austin Small Business Resources

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid

UTSA Institute for Economic Development Programs and Centers

Center for Government Contracting
Provides services through the following programs: Employer Services, Emergency Preparedness, Government Contracting, and Cybersecurity.

Technology Commercialization Center
Partners with various organizations to promote science and technology-based innovation while fostering regional and community entrepreneurship.

APEX Accelerator, formerly known as PTAC
Provides the education and training that all businesses need to participate to become capable of participating in DOD and other government contracts.

International Trade Center
Offers comprehensive, world-class advising and technical trade assistance provided by experienced and CGBP credentialed International Business Advisors.

SBDCNet
Providing business research assistance directly to official SBDC Business Advisors.

Center for Community and Business Research
Conducts primary research on community and business development in San Antonio and throughout a 79-county area of South, West and Gulf Coast Texas

Southwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center
Identifies and assists U.S. manufacturing and service companies; which have experienced a decline in sales and employment due to foreign competition (imports).

Minority Business Development Agency
Dedicated to helping the minority entrepreneurs flourish and grow in today's marketplace.

Workforce Programs

Work In Texas

Your nearest workforce center can help recruit applicants, advertise unlimited job posting for free, get assistance with recruiting, and more!

Skills for Small Business

Provides training funds to for-profit businesses to assist with increasing competitiveness, skills, and prepare new hires.

Skills Development Fund

Collaborative training program customized to the employers specific needs.

Apprenticeship Program

Serves employers and job seekers by training workers for well-paying
jobs with promising futures.

Additional Programs

Texas Veterans Commission

Provides veteran entrepreneurs and veteran small businesses the tools they need to start or grow their businesses.

WOTC

Federal tax benefits may be available to employers that hire veterans under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).

SBA VOSB

SBA offers support for veterans as they enter the world of business ownership. Look for funding programs, training, and federal contracting opportunit

UTRGV VBOC

To help create, retain, and develop VOSB across Texas by coupling Veterans with local, SBA-sponsored technical and managerial assistance.

Texas State University SBDC is a proud member of the Texas South-West SBDC Network, which is funded in part through the State of Texas and a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is hosted by the University of Texas at San Antonio and accredited nationally by America’s SBDC. The Small Business Development Center services are provided to all U.S. citizens and legal residents in accordance with Federal funding requirements. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

Business Startup 101