Best Small Business Resources in the Austin Area

Description

BiG Austin is a non-profit organization providing local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to successfully launch a business. They offer three broad categories of services: entrepreneurship classes, business counseling, and funding via flexible loans. BiG Austin offers several recurring classes for people planning to start a business, as well as several one-time classes for entrepreneurs at any stage of the process. Most classes are available to the public for a nominal fee. The business counseling is free, by appointment only, and covers a variety of topics from marketing to business plans. The microloans are available to small businesses in operation for at least three months.

Description

The Austin Public Library offers free access to many prominent business databases suitable for market research and business development. Popular databases include directories of wholesalers/distributors, investment research, and texas-specific legal information. Through the "Ask a Librarian" program, librarians are available by email and phone to assist with the navigation of databases. 

Restrictions

A library card is necessary to access databases remotely. 

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

BCL offers a variety of financial services aimed at helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals. Specifically, BCL offers classes on a series of small business topics and one-on-one coaching by appointment. These services are intended for entrepreneurs at any stage of the journey, from idea refinement to startup growth. All services are offered for free.

Description

Austin’s city government hosts several programs to help entrepreneurs start new businesses. The BizAid class is an orientation about how to start a business at a high level, while other classes are offered on topics like marketing, taxes, and ecommerce. Most classes are accessible for a nominal fee. Private counseling is available to most businesses, provided they have a formal business plan drawn up.

Restrictions

There are unlimited counseling sessions for small businesses located within the city of Austin. Outside of city limits, small businesses can only receive up to two sessions free of charge.

Description

Impact Hub’s Austin branch is a coworking space that emphasizes creative synergy and offers access to a large, truly global network of active entrepreneurs. Impact Hub offers all of the usual coworking amenities: meeting rooms, office supplies, coffee, and a kitchen. Supplementing these amenities are frequent events that support organic networking and workshops that promote healthy lifestyles. Membership plans range from shared coworking spaces to dedicated private offices.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.