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Small Business Programs

Texas is committed to facilitating and informing small-to-medium sizes enterprises about state and federal incentives and programs. In both urban and rural communities, Texas is an epicenter for business growth and expansion.

The following list of programs can provide opportunities throughout the State of Texas and will allow small businesses to get the tools and training they need to help them grow.

Small Business Assistance Overview (PDF)

Small Business Advocacy Programs & Events

The 2020 Governor’s Small Business Series is a collection of 15 events, organized and led by the Office of the Governor, that support small business owners and entrepreneurs across every region of Texas.

The Governor’s Small Business Series is an opportunity for small business owners and entrepreneurs to listen and learn from subject-matter experts and gain actionable advice regarding starting, growing, and sustaining a business. Attendees can network with other entrepreneurs, business owners, managers, and business-oriented non-profits, as well as local, regional, state, and federal agencies. 

The events feature an interactive, hands-on program, including private and public small business resources, practical solutions, best practices, and expert assistance on a broad range of business topics and challenges.

The events are shaped by feedback from partners in the region (economic development organizations, educational institutions, workforce organizations, businesses, etc.), uniquely tailoring the program to each area and incorporating speakers and topics that address local and regional needs.

We invite you to attend one or more of the 2020 Governor’s Small Business Series events in your region, and take advantage of the immense opportunities they have to offer. 

Are you interested in partnering, sponsoring, or attending one or more of the events? Click on a region below to register your interest, so we can notify you when we confirm dates and locations!

South Texas

North Texas

West Texas

East Texas

Central Texas

Topic variations include:

  • Workforce and Skills Development programs
  • Doing business with relevant industries
  • Growing your business within the region
  • Export opportunities and logistics
  • Networking and business-to-business connections
  • Business opportunities for women-owned, minority-owned, disability-owned, and veteran-owned businesses
  • Small Business resources within federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Procurement
  • Access to capital
  • Start-up essentials
  • Employment recruitment/retention
  • Social media/marketing best practices
  • State of Texas Small Business Awards
Make sure to check in as we announce upcoming Governor's Small Business Series event dates and locations.

State and Federal Programs

Historically Underutilized Business Certification Program (HUB) requires all Texas state agencies to make a good faith effort to use HUBs for purposes of contracting for construction services or commodity purchases.  To obtain HUB certification, a business must be at least 51% owned by an Asian Pacific American, Black American, Hispanic American, Native American and/or American woman, and as a result of the recent legislative session now service-rendered disabled veterans are considered a minority for purposes of the HUB Program.

A business must also be a for profit entity that has not exceeded the size standards prescribed by 34 Texas Administrative Code 20.23, and has its principal place of business in Texas. Additionally the business must have an owner residing in Texas with a proportionate interest that actively participates in the control, operations and management of the entity’s affairs.

The Texas Comptroller's Office organizes and administers the HUB certification program. For more information on how to qualify and register as a HUB, please visit the Texas Comptroller’s Office website.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE) was created to provide a level playing field for small, minority and women-owned companies wanting to do business with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and other agencies receiving federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Skills for Small Business Program offers financing tuition and fees for community and technical college courses. This program, run by the Texas Workforce Commission, is targeted to help current and newly hired employees of small businesses.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can provide information on available loans and grants, small business workshops, advocacy efforts and much more. To learn more about what the Federal SBA can do for your small business, locate the nearest SBA Regional/District Office through the SBA website.

SCORE is a nonprofit association of thousands of volunteer business counselors throughout the U.S. SCORE members are trained to serve as counselors, advisors and mentors to aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses owners. 

There are hundreds of SCORE business mentors in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Launch your business today by locating your nearest SCORE Business Mentor in Texas.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are funded in part through a partnership with the SBA and provide assistance to small businesses throughout the United States.  SBDCs help entrepreneurs realize the dream of business ownership and help existing businesses remain competitive in a complex, ever-changing global marketplace. 

SBDC advisors provide aspiring and current small business owners with a variety of free businesses consulting and low cost training services including: business plan development, manufacturing assistance, financial packaging and lending assistance, exporting and importing support, disaster recovery assistance, procurement and contracting aid, marketing research help 8(a) program support, and healthcare guidance.

Women Business Centers (WBCs) represent a national network of over 100 educational centers throughout the United States, and are designed to assist women in starting and growing small businesses by providing individual counseling and small business workshops. To find the nearest Women's Business Center in Texas, visit their website.

U.S. Export Assistance Centers in Texas (USEACs) has a network of export and industry specialists located in Texas and 100 other U.S. cities and over 80 countries worldwide. These trade professionals provide counseling and a variety of products and services to assist small and midsized businesses export their products and services. 

Veteran's Business Outreach Centers (VBOC) are designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. 

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) is a nationwide network of dedicated procurement professionals working to help local businesses compete successfully in the government marketplace. PTAC counselors offer access to experts in bid opportunities, contract specifications, procurement histories, and other information necessary to successfully compete for government contracts.