County

The Williamson County Economic Development Partnership is a self-funded collaboration of city leaders acting together to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for the region. Here you can find resources to assist you in understanding local communities, searching for available properties and learning more about entrepreneurship in Williamson County.

DBA License

In Texas, if your business will operate as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, an Assumed Name Certificate or DBA for each name the business will use must be on file with the county clerk in each county where a business premise will be maintained. Visit the Williamson County Clerk to learn more about filing a DBA in this county.

SCORE

SCORE is the premier source of free business mentoring and education in the United States. They will help pair you with a mentor, and in addition offer webinars and courses on demand. Their blog is also kept up-to-date with helpful information.

Texas Secretary of State Guides & Resources

The Texas Secretary of State provides a comprehensive list of resources covering permits and licenses, patents, trademarks, copyrights, securities and other business resources that may pertain to you.

Texas Governor’s Office State & Federal Small Business Resources

The Office of the Governor provides information on a host of programs including the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE), Small Business Development Centers, US Export Assistance Centers and more.

Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program

The Historically Underutilized Business Certification (HUB) Program 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, American woman or a service-rendered disabled veteran. Visit the Comptroller’s website to learn more about the certification process.

Small Business Advice, or SBA.org

While not government affiliated, the Small Business Advice website offers comprehensive advice for small businesses. This includes a list of licenses, permits, and registrations required for your business and the necessary links to find the forms.

Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area

Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area is a community partnership providing no cost recruitment and employment services to businesses and job seekers in the Rural Capital Area of Texas. Through the Rural Capital Area Workforce Development Board, offices give employers and job seekers access to local workforce solutions and statewide services in one location. Learn more by getting in touch with them:

Park West Corporate Center
575 Round Rock W Dr Building H, Suite 240,
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 244-2207

FDA Small Business Assistance

The FDA recognizes that dealing with a large organization can be frustrating and time-consuming, more so for a small business. To that end, they offer multiple, smaller activities for small businesses which can be found on their Small Business Assistance page.

BiGAUSTIN

BiGAUSTIN provides resources to small businesses such as education, business consulting and funding solutions.They offer microloans up to $50,000 and disaster loan assistance. You can check out their calendar to find one-time educational events or take a look at their programs page to find recurring and long-term educational programs and workshops.

Women’s BiZ Inc.

BIGAUSTIN is home to the Central Texas Women’s BiZ Inc. (WBI), specializing in meeting the needs of female entrepreneurs. Through education, consulting, round-table discussions, innovative networking opportunities and lending programs, BiGAUSTIN helps women start and grow their businesses. They offer help with business planning, finding funding solutions, marketing and much more.

Veterans Business Outreach Centers

The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Program is 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. The state of Texas has two offices:

Veterans Business Outreach Center at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Coverage: Central, West & Southern Texas
1407 E Freddy Gonzalez Dr, Ste 1200,
Edinburg, TX 78539
(956) 665-8931
juan.santosflores01@utrgv.edu

Veterans Business Outreach Center at University of Texas Arlington College of Business
Coverage: Arkansas, Northern Texas, Oklahoma
701 S West St, Ste 635,
Arlington, TX 76019
(817) 272-6789
utavboc@uta.edu