About Us
The Small Business Division provides business training, educational events, and coaching to empower entrepreneurs. Our mission is to foster job creation and support the growth of new and existing businesses by providing capacity-building information, tools, and resources.
Are you thinking of starting a business in 2025? Join us January 27 through January 30, 2025 for our week of no cost classes: Small Business Fundamentals Week 2025
Contacting the Small Business Division
The Economic Development Department's Small Business Division is here to assist you. Our team is available to answer your questions and provide support via email, phone, or by appointment.
Sign up for the Economic Development Department newsletter
"The Small Business Division’s (SBD) training contributed to my successful launch of Magnificath GrantWorks LLC. I’m headed into my first tax season as the owner of an LLC confident and well-prepared. When I met my accountant for the first time, he asked me several questions that “no one” is ready for their first time filing taxes as a small business. By the time he was finished, he asked HOW I knew all this. I was able to tell him that my SBD training prepared me." - small business owner Catherine Spainhour
Other Resources:
- The Community Navigator Program supports local businesses, non-profit organizations, and creative professionals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Local entities can apply for no-cost assistance from Community Navigators for one-on-one coaching, virtual classes, and applying for government and philanthropic support.
- Economic Development Department’s Small Business Resources Directory - Database of local, state, federal, and community resources. Filter by “Disaster Relief” to find immediate support for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Small Business Needs Assessment - The Economic Development Department connected with Austin's small business community through a Small Business Needs Assessment. Participants provided insights on learning preferences, business growth needs, and pandemic impacts. Read the Small Business Needs Assessment overview and results.
RECENT NEWS