Small Business Resources

Based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities over a million cups of coffee, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation developed 1 Million Cups in 2012-a free program designed to educate, engage and inspire entrepreneurs around the country.  

The guide offers information on licenses and permits that may be required for more than 300 business types, including direct links to appropriate state resources that can help address permitting needs. 

Get quick, detailed information and referrals to health and human service organizations in your area. 

Accion is a nonprofit organization that increases access to business credit, makes loans and provides training to enable entrepreneurs to realize their dreams and be catalysts for positive economic and social change. 

Art Spark Texas, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit, delivers cultural, professional, educational, and public awareness arts services to communities with diverse abilities. 

Big Medium brings artists and audiences together through city and statewide artistic experiences, such as the Austin Studio Tour and the Texas Biennial.

BioHouston provides development commercialization expertise to researchers and early-stage companies.

The Biotechnology Commercialization Center's mission is to help commercialize and incubate UTHealth and Houston-based technologies, while increasing the number of Texas-based companies. 

A 10 week advanced entrepreneur program which includes presentations from world class leaders, mentoring, and assistance with everything from entity formation, financing, strategic planning, sales & marketing, to exit strategies. 

CPRIT offers several funding opportunities for promising cancer research, product development, and prevention programs. 

CAPCOG is the state designated planning agency for solid waste management issues in the region. 

Female veterans in Texas who own or are starting a business can apply for this annual program to receive $5,000 in grant funding. 

Central Texas CDC is a public non-profit corporation created for the purpose of facilitating public sector financing programs in Texas. 

An economic development and professional association for cleantech, including waste and recycling.

Dart Music International assists artists of all genres from around the world to obtain work visas, appear at cultural outreach events, and reach audiences across the USA.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) provides unemployment benefits for individuals who lost their jobs or self-employment or who are no longer working as a direct result of a major disaster for which a disaster assistance period is declared, and who applied but are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits. 

Financial Coaching is a free service provided by trained volunteers who can work with you one-on-one to make sure you have the tools, resources, and encouragement you need to reach your financial goals.

Future Front nurture spaces where women and LGBTQ+ creatives, founders and leaders can grow together. Currently, they produce The Front Market and Festival, host year-round workshops and meet-ups, as well as create resources for resilience in creative industries.

Glasstire is an online non-profit 501(c)(3) publication that covers visual art in Texas. 

The Houston Business Development, Inc. assist small business owners by providing flexible and affordable loans to expand their businesses and work closely with banks and commercial lenders to provide bridge financing. 

From the forms you need to quick access to information on hot tax topics like EINs, independent contractors and the new health care legislation, this IRS site makes doing your taxes as painless and simple as possible.

James Beard Foundation, a non-profit advocate for the food industry, is fundraising for food and beverage businesses right now and has a sign-up to be notified when the application is live.
 

Austin Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) of Central Texas, Inc. is a nonprofit service that provides a trusted sources for Austin area attorney searches.  

LIFT Development Enterprises, Inc. is a community development organization and micro-small business accelerator with a mission to help underserved and under represented small business owners to overcome the challenges they face due to lack of access to capital and to assist them in increasing business capacity resulting in higher revenue growth and providing premium wage jobs.