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Dear Texas Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and Resource Providers:
Today, the American Dream is nowhere more attainable than it is in Texas! There is no better representation of the idea that anything is possible or achievable than right here in the Lone Star State. This is especially true for entrepreneurs as Texas remains a top state for women-owned, minority-owned and veteran-owned businesses. In Texas, there is abundant opportunity to succeed and the freedom for entrepreneurs to flourish.
The Governor’s Office of Small Business Assistance remains committed to supporting Texans’ efforts towards achieving their entrepreneurial endeavors. The Governor’s Small Business Snapshot highlights our resources for small businesses and recent activity as well as future opportunities where our team may be able to assist you.
A well-documented characteristic of Texans is that we are a resilient bunch, with a "can-do" attitude. However, the most resilient among us may still encounter challenges throughout their entrepreneurial journey. The Office of Small Business Assistance is here to guide you and connect you with resources and information to succeed.
Please be sure to visit our website, follow us on social media and utilize the Governor's Small Business Resource Portal to schedule a call with our team if we can be of any assistance!
-Jarvis Brewer, Small Business Advocate, Texas Economic Development & Tourism
EVENTS CALENDAR
Find an event near you! The Governor's Small Business Summits are held in areas across the state and aim to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs reach new heights. Find an event in a city near you by visiting our events calendar and be sure to check back in as we continue to announce additional event details and webinar dates for 2023 and 2024.
 Public procurement is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to grow their business and is an important part of an effective business development strategy. As one of the most commonly asked questions by Texas business owners, the Governor's Small Business Assistance Team has curated some helpful resources businesses can use to learn more about the public procurement process:
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There are six Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) in Texas that provide free individual counseling and training on federal, state and local procurement. They can help entrepreneurs determine how best to approach the process. PTACs can also help companies apply for relevant certifications. Find your nearest PTAC by using the online locator.
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The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) manages the State of Texas' public procurement process. The following are links to key resources provided by the CPA:
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Centralized Master Bidders List is where businesses interested in selling to Texas public entities can register for a small fee. The list is used by public purchasing entities to develop a mailing list for vendors to receive bid opportunities.
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Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) is an online search engine that lists state contracts valued at more than $25,000.
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Texas Multiple Award Schedule (TXMAS) program is an alternate purchasing method for public entities that allows them to purchase from existing contracts, awarded by the federal government or any other governmental entity of any state. A business may qualify to sell via this program if they have existing contracts with public entities. Learn how to register as a Texas vendor on the CPA’s website.
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The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program aims to promote fair and equal business opportunities for small, minority and women-owned businesses. To encourage participation of companies with diverse ownership, this program ensures that public entities set aside part of their contracts for HUBs or disadvantaged business. Learn about registering as a HUB vendor on the CPA’s website.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration offers information and training on competing for and winning federal public procurement contracts.
It is important to also check with your local city and county entities for additional public procurement opportunities. For more on how businesses can prepare to compete for public procurement contracts and the importance of business certifications in this process, watch the recording of our webinar titled How Public Procurement Can Grow Your Business.
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Feedback from a Governor's Small Business Summit: "You definitely want to make it ... because you're going to learn so much. You're going to learn everything from the social media and marketing element to funding ... to cybersecurity .... I highly recommend the Governor's Small Business Summit."
— Jarrod Brown, Owner, Bite of Brownie Productions, Stephenville
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Information on demand: Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or established business owner, the Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal is easy to use and offers a customized list of resources to assist you.
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Christina Harman is the Founder & CEO of Piccolina, a woman-owned small business located in Fredericksburg.
Piccolina began as a vision for an elevated sno-cone stand. Christina turned her dream into a reality in April 2021 with the purchase of a European vintage truck and a freezer for making small-batch Italian Ice. This year, Piccolina celebrated the grand opening of a brick-and-mortar location on Main St. in downtown Fredericksburg.
Taking her business to the next level, Christina entered into a women-owned business pitch competition, hosted by the Beacon State Fund, in partnership with the Governor's Commission for Women. In her pitch, Christina highlighted Piccolina's focus on using simple ingredients, supporting local growers and creating memorable experiences. By pitching her unique desserts, which are health conscious, community driven and highlight the Texas Hill Country region, she was selected as the winner of the pitch competition and was honored during the Governor's Small Business Summit — Fredericksburg in September 2023.
Christina's small business success story is evidence of the opportunity all Texans have to follow their entrepreneurial dreams. As one of the best states in the country to start a business, Texas offers the foundation businesses need to thrive. Christina's advice to others looking to start their own small business:
"Never be afraid to fail or be able to admit that you don't have everything figured out. One step at a time in the right direction is all it takes, but taking that first step or another step after a setback is always the hardest part. Keep going and surround yourself with a support group who can walk alongside you. The journey is worth it!"
For resources for aspiring female entrepreneurs and women-owned small businesses, visit gov.texas.gov/small business. Check out the calendar of events for upcoming Governor's Small Business Summits!
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The Small Business Assistance team travels to communities around the state throughout the year to meet with small businesses and share information on the resources available. We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events!
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November 9: Governor’s Small Business Summit — San Antonio
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December 7: Governor’s Small Business Summit — Houston
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FAQ: How do I register my business in the state of Texas? There are two ways to establish your business in the state of Texas: state and local filings. State-level filings are handled through the Texas Secretary of State's Office and include the "LLC" and "Corporation" business structures. These filings can be completed through an online service called SOSDirect, which is found on the Texas Secretary of State's website under "Business Services."
Joint ventures and sole proprietorships are filed through your local county clerk's office in the form of a DBA or Assumed Name Certificate. Please visit the Texas Secretary of State's website to find your local county clerk's office.
In both instances, it is necessary to perform a name search to determine if the desired name for your business is available for use.
See more answers to frequently asked questions by viewing our FAQ video playlists in English and Spanish. Also check out the Webinar Resource Library for more information.
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Watch on your schedule. The Governor’s Small Business Webinar Series provides updates on resources and topics from subject-matter experts. Playbacks are available to watch online.
 In August, Governor Greg Abbott joined the Governor’s Office of Small Business Assistance at the sold-out Governor’s Small Business Summit — McAllen. Pictured, left to right: Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer, Small Business Assistance Specialist Jack Herrell, EDT Executive Director Adriana Cruz, Marketing Specialist Kacey Bowen, Governor Greg Abbott, former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, Business Assistance Specialist Nidia Ramirez and Business Assistance Specialist Bryan Roller.
Watch on demand: Find the full panel sessions, keynote and highlight reel from the event on our YouTube channel.
 Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer participated in the Central Texas Council of Governments’ “Leadership Texas” event in August. Jarvis spoke about the many small business initiatives and resources offered through the Governor’s Office of Small Business Assistance.
 In September, the team was joined by First Lady Cecilia Abbott at the Governor’s Small Business Summit — Fredericksburg celebrating women business owners. Pictured, left to right: Central Texas Community Relations Specialist Riccardo Canova, Business Assistance Specialist Bryan Roller, Creative Media & Marketing Specialist Lindsay Beran, Marketing & Communications Team Lead Lauren Vay, First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Business & Community Development Deputy Director Annie Dennis, Business Assistance Specialist Nidia Ramirez and Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer.
Watch on demand: Find the full panel sessions, keynote and highlight reel from the event on our YouTube channel.
 In October, the Governor's Small Business Team attended the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce Luncheon and offered an update on small business resources in Texas. Pictured: Business Assistance Specialist Bryan Roller, Business Assistance Specialist Nidia Ramirez and Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer.
Other recent small business events around the state:
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