The City division that owns Austin small-business training, educational events, coaching, Kiva access, market-intelligence tools, and program updates.
Fees may applyOnlineIn personService: English
- Best for
- Finding current City programs, workshops, coaching, and small-business announcements in one place
- Eligibility
- The division page is public; each class, event, coaching service, loan, rebate, or linked program sets its own requirements, availability, and cost
- Before you go
- Use the division page for current offerings, then confirm the selected program's registration, geography, deadline, and fee terms.
SBA's official starting point for business planning, launch, compliance, hiring, growth, local counseling, contracting guidance, tools, training, and events.
Free accessOnlineService: English
- Best for
- Finding the correct federal guide or counseling network for the business's current stage
- Eligibility
- The guide is public; counseling networks, events, certifications, loans, and other linked programs set separate eligibility and cost rules
- Before you go
- Choose the relevant Business Guide section or local-assistance pathway, then verify the official program requirements before acting.
Direct county-clerk instructions and forms for an eligible unincorporated business or professional service operating under an assumed name.
Application fee requiredOnlineIn personService: English
- Best for
- Sole proprietors and qualifying unincorporated businesses determining where and how to record an assumed name
- Eligibility
- Business structure and county activity determine the filing owner; incorporated assumed names are generally handled by the Texas Secretary of State, and current county forms, identification, notarization, owner, and fee requirements apply
- Before you go
- Confirm the business structure first, then use the correct county clerk or Secretary of State path. A DBA filing does not create an LLC, provide trademark protection, or guarantee exclusive use of a name.
Reviewed August 22, 2026Official page: EnglishIndependent listing
Browse official resources3 official links+
Each link opens the named provider's official page. Eligibility, availability, deadlines, registration, fees, funding, and service area can differ by provider; verify the current terms before acting or paying.
Official answers on who needs a Texas sales tax permit, how to apply, and permit-holder responsibilities.
Free accessOnlineService: English
- Best for
- Checking sales-tax registration responsibilities
- Eligibility
- Taxability depends on the actual goods and services sold
- Before you go
- Read the current Comptroller guidance and request professional tax advice for fact-specific questions.
Confidential advising and training covering startup planning, access to capital, marketing, human resources, and government contracting.
No-cost advisingOnline and in personService: English
- Best for
- Ongoing, adviser-led business planning
- Eligibility
- Serves businesses in its published Central Texas service area; intake is required
- Before you go
- Confirm your county and request advising through the official center.
Texas Secretary of State
Selecting a business structure
The State's explanation of common Texas business structures and where formation documents are filed.
Free accessOnlineService: English
- Best for
- Understanding formation options before filing
- Eligibility
- General official information, not individualized legal or tax advice
- Before you go
- Review the structure options and consult qualified legal or tax counsel when the consequences are unclear.
Texas Secretary of State
Business Organizations Code forms
Official Texas formation, amendment, assumed-name, termination, and related business-organization forms.
Fees may applyOnlineService: English
- Best for
- Locating the current official state form
- Eligibility
- The correct form and filing fee depend on entity type and filing
- Before you go
- Select the form only after confirming the entity type, instructions, and current filing fee.
The City's official directory of small-business programs, classes, coaching, capital pathways, and procurement resources.
Free accessOnlineService: English
- Best for
- Finding the correct City program before applying
- Eligibility
- Varies by linked program and service area
- Before you go
- Use the official directory, then verify the selected program's current requirements.
A City of Austin startup sequence connecting business planning, BizAid, permits, coaching, and capital resources.
Free accessOnlineService: English
- Best for
- Building an Austin-specific startup checklist
- Eligibility
- Public guidance; individual programs set their own eligibility
- Before you go
- Read the steps in order and open the official owner for each required filing or program.
The State's official financing map to SBA resources, nonprofit lenders, Texas credit initiatives, workforce grants, federal grant catalogs, and cash-flow help.
Free accessOnlineService: EnglishService: Spanish
- Best for
- Comparing the main public and nonprofit capital pathways available in Texas
- Eligibility
- This is a directory; every linked loan, grant, lender, and training program sets separate requirements and terms
- Before you go
- Use the page as a map, then verify the selected provider's current eligibility, repayment, fee, deadline, and availability terms.
A county-organized collection of high-utility local coaching, business research, contracting-readiness, improvement-grant, incentive, and entrepreneur-support programs.
Fees may applyOnlineIn personService: EnglishService: Spanish
- Best for
- Finding geographically specific help after statewide and federal guidance is too broad
- Eligibility
- Every linked program sets separate city or county boundaries, business stage, employee, property, census-tract, matching-fund, reimbursement, application-window, library-card, certification, and funding rules; Spanish service is explicitly confirmed for San Marcos ThinkB!G, not every program in the collection
- Before you go
- Open the exact local program and verify current eligibility, available funding, deadlines, required approvals, reimbursement terms, language access, and intake instructions before spending or applying.
Reviewed August 22, 2026Official page: EnglishIndependent listing
Browse official resources8 official links+
Each link opens the named provider's official page. Eligibility, availability, deadlines, registration, fees, funding, and service area can differ by provider; verify the current terms before acting or paying.
A free Texas program offering veteran entrepreneurs business planning, capital guidance, fundamentals, training, referrals, and direct business support.
No-cost advisingOnline and in personService: English
- Best for
- Texas veterans starting a business or strengthening an existing veteran-owned business
- Eligibility
- Veteran status, Texas service scope, individual assistance, verification, and program requirements apply
- Before you go
- Use the official program intake and confirm the current service, verification, and event requirements with a veteran business consultant.
SBA's official gateway to Boots to Business, loans and Lender Match, veteran federal contracting, and Veterans Business Outreach Center advising.
Free accessOnlineIn personService: English
- Best for
- Veterans, service members, Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses exploring business ownership
- Eligibility
- Training, counseling, lending, and contracting programs apply different military affiliation, ownership, control, size, and documentation rules
- Before you go
- Choose the exact SBA program and confirm current eligibility with the official provider or nearest VBOC.
SBA's official gateway to Women's Business Centers, counseling, training, capital pathways, the WOSB federal contracting program, and online learning.
Free accessOnlineService: English
- Best for
- Finding the official federal owner for counseling, capital, or WOSB contracting help
- Eligibility
- Counseling, loans, training, and certification each have separate location, ownership, control, size, and program requirements
- Before you go
- Choose the exact SBA pathway and confirm its current criteria before applying or seeking certification.
A current state-level directory of licenses and permits organized by business activity and responsible Texas agency.
Free accessOnlineService: English
- Best for
- Identifying the Texas agency that regulates an activity
- Eligibility
- State guide; local permits and professional requirements can also apply
- Before you go
- Use the guide to find the agency, then confirm the live program page and local requirements.
A free SBA entrepreneurship education and training pathway offered through the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program and SBA resource partners.
Free accessOnlineIn personService: English
- Best for
- Transitioning service members, including National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses exploring business ownership
- Eligibility
- The core program serves eligible service members and military spouses; installation access, schedule, delivery, registration, and follow-on-course rules vary
- Before you go
- Review the current course sequence and registration path; veterans without installation access should evaluate the official Reboot option.
Austin Public Library
Business and Nonprofits digital resources
Austin Public Library's official collection of business-plan, company, industry, customer, competitor, supplier, marketing, directory, and local benchmarking research tools.
Fees may applyOnlineIn personService: English
- Best for
- Researching a market, customer base, competitor set, supplier network, or business plan before paying for commercial data
- Eligibility
- Access varies by database: many remote tools require an eligible Austin Public Library card, some limit concurrent users or require an in-library computer, and SizeUpAustin is public without a library card
- Before you go
- Open the official collection, choose the database that matches the research question, and check its access instructions; eligible Austin resident cards are free, while nonresident or digital-card fees may apply.
Central Texas coaching and workshops in English and Spanish on planning, marketing, cost control, and operations.
No-cost advisingOnline and in personService: EnglishService: Spanish
- Best for
- Entrepreneurs who want explicitly bilingual, local support
- Eligibility
- Program intake, schedule, and workshop terms vary
- Before you go
- Choose the English or Spanish official intake path and confirm current availability.
One county-organized collection of 21 local chambers and five Greater Austin business networks, with a direct official link for every organization instead of 26 separate resource cards.
Fees may applyOnlineIn personService: English
- Best for
- Finding local networking, business education, advocacy, referrals, and community connections by county or business community
- Eligibility
- Public websites are open to everyone; membership, event access, service areas, dues, sponsorships, and program requirements vary by chamber
- Before you go
- Choose the county, city, or specialized network that fits the business, then confirm current membership benefits, dues, event pricing, and eligibility on that chamber's official site before paying.
Reviewed August 22, 2026Official page: EnglishIndependent listing
Browse official resources26 official links+
Each link opens the named provider's official page. Eligibility, availability, deadlines, registration, fees, funding, and service area can differ by provider; verify the current terms before acting or paying.
Greater Austin specialized networks
No-cost and confidential City coaching on business plans, financial readiness, marketing, and management after the required BizAid orientation.
No-cost advisingOnline and in personService: English
- Best for
- Turning a business question into a one-to-one action plan
- Eligibility
- Service hours and eligibility differ for Austin for-profit businesses, nonprofits, and businesses outside city limits
- Before you go
- Complete the official BizAid orientation and review the coaching intake rules.
A Central Texas chamber connecting Asian and allied businesses through advocacy, education, events, member visibility, and regional business relationships.
Fees may applyOnline and in personService: English
- Best for
- Asian-owned and allied businesses seeking a regional network, business education, advocacy, and community visibility
- Eligibility
- The chamber publishes multiple membership levels, including a limited free associate level and paid tiers with different benefits; current terms control
- Before you go
- Compare the official membership levels and current benefits before enrolling; chamber membership does not replace a government certification or vendor registration.
A Greater Austin chamber supporting Hispanic businesses through advocacy, member connections, professional development, events, and business visibility.
Fees may applyOnline and in personService: English
- Best for
- Hispanic-owned and allied businesses seeking chamber relationships, leadership development, events, and regional market visibility
- Eligibility
- Membership is open through published paid levels with different benefits; pricing, eligibility, renewals, and event charges are controlled by the chamber's current terms
- Before you go
- Review the current membership options and benefits on the official page before applying; confirm event and program registration separately.
A regional chamber focused on Black economic success through business advocacy, membership connections, programs, events, and Greater Austin market visibility.
Fees may applyOnline and in personService: English
- Best for
- Black-owned and allied businesses seeking regional relationships, advocacy, programming, and chamber visibility
- Eligibility
- The official application publishes paid membership options; current dues, approval, renewal, program, and event terms are set by the chamber
- Before you go
- Review the current application, dues, and benefits before submitting payment; confirm individual program and event requirements separately.
The official SBA locator for Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Women's Business Centers, Veterans Business Outreach Centers, and district offices.
No-cost advisingOnline and in personService: English
- Best for
- Finding an official assistance network near a business
- Eligibility
- Services, languages, intake, geography, and fees vary by partner location and event
- Before you go
- Search by location and confirm the selected office's current services before visiting.
A Central Texas chamber serving LGBTQ+ and allied businesses through advocacy, education, networking, events, and member promotion.
Fees may applyOnline and in personService: English
- Best for
- LGBTQ+-owned and allied businesses seeking an affirming regional network, education, advocacy, and business visibility
- Eligibility
- The chamber publishes paid business membership levels with different benefits; current dues, renewals, event fees, and participation terms apply
- Before you go
- Compare current membership levels and benefits on the official page before joining; verify any separate certification or event process with its owner.
TWC's entry point for small-employer recruiting, training, tax, labor-law, and workforce resources.
Free accessOnlineService: English
- Best for
- Finding the Texas workforce owner for an employer question
- Eligibility
- Individual services and incentives set their own requirements
- Before you go
- Open the exact TWC service and verify its current eligibility and application process.
The local Leander chamber providing advocacy, networking, business visibility, education, events, referrals, and community information.
Fees may applyOnline and in personService: English
- Best for
- Businesses serving Leander, including Completa's published 78641 service-area ZIP guide
- Eligibility
- Membership uses paid levels with differing benefits; current dues, renewal, directory, sponsorship, program, and event terms are set by the chamber
- Before you go
- Review the official membership guide and current benefits before joining, and confirm registration requirements for each event or program.
Round Rock and the surrounding region Round Rock Chamber
Membership and business resources
The local Round Rock chamber supporting business growth through regional advocacy, networking, leadership programs, events, and member visibility.
Fees may applyOnline and in personService: English
- Best for
- Businesses serving Round Rock, including Completa's published 78664 and 78681 service-area ZIP guides
- Eligibility
- Membership and programs use current chamber-defined investment, renewal, registration, and participation terms; benefits differ by level
- Before you go
- Review the official membership information and current benefits before joining, and register separately for the programs or events the business needs.
The local Cedar Park chamber offering business connections, advocacy, member visibility, events, professional development, and community engagement.
Fees may applyOnline and in personService: English
- Best for
- Businesses serving Cedar Park, including Completa's published 78613 service-area ZIP guide
- Eligibility
- Membership uses paid investment levels with differing benefits; current dues, renewal, sponsorship, program, and event terms are set by the chamber
- Before you go
- Review the official benefits and current investment level that fits the business before joining; confirm event registration separately.
The local Pflugerville chamber offering networking, business visibility, education, advocacy, events, and tiered membership opportunities.
Fees may applyOnline and in personService: English
- Best for
- Businesses serving Pflugerville, including Completa's published 78660 service-area ZIP guide
- Eligibility
- The chamber publishes paid investment levels with different benefits; current dues, renewal, sponsorship, program, and event terms apply
- Before you go
- Compare current investment levels and included benefits on the official page before joining; confirm event and sponsorship terms separately.
SCORE Austin
Free business mentoring
Free mentoring from volunteer business professionals plus local workshops and educational resources.
Free accessOnline and in personService: English
- Best for
- Recurring mentor feedback on business decisions
- Eligibility
- Mentor availability and workshop terms vary
- Before you go
- Use the official Austin chapter page to request a mentor or review current workshops.
NASE is a nationwide paid membership association for self-employed professionals, independent contractors, and microbusiness owners. Member benefits include access to tax, finance, business-law, business-strategy, marketing, and technology guidance, plus a competitive Growth Grants program currently advertising awards up to $4,000.
Paid registrationOnlineService: English
- Best for
- U.S. self-employed contractors and microbusiness owners who expect to use several membership benefits and want to evaluate a competitive business-growth grant
- Eligibility
- Benefits require membership in good standing with dues paid. Growth Grant applicants must remain in good standing; annual members may apply immediately, while monthly members may apply after 90 days. Current application, documentation, permitted-use, and selection rules control.
- Before you go
- Compare the current $120 annual, $11.95 monthly, and other membership options against benefits you would actually use before paying. Benefits may vary by package, vendor, and state. Membership does not guarantee a Growth Grant, financing, insurance eligibility, savings, business leads, or professional results.
Reviewed August 22, 2026Official page: EnglishIndependent listing
Browse official resources2 official links+
Each link opens the named provider's official page. Eligibility, availability, deadlines, registration, fees, funding, and service area can differ by provider; verify the current terms before acting or paying.
Paid membership and Growth Grants
