Best Small Business Resources in the Houston Area

Description

The Solutions Center is a City of Houston program designed to spur economic development by providing personal assistance to local entrepreneurs. Specifically, the center has on-site staff that can answer questions related to permits and licensing, as well as SCORE counseling. The center maintains an extensive referral network of local incubators, trade organizations, and universities.

Restrictions

Some services are not available to businesses outside of the city of Houston.

Description

This organization offers a comprehensive resource library with databases, computers with commercial software, and periodicals. Events are regularly hosted here at minimal cost and SCORE counselors are available five days a week. The Business Technology Center is a mixed-use space offering affordable office space, administrative services, and flexible facilities.

Description

Houston’s central library offers a comprehensive business resource center, with dozens of research databases available to anyone with a library card. There are also meeting rooms available for reservation. The library system hosts numerous public events throughout the year, some of which may be of interest to entrepreneurs looking to start a new business. 

Restrictions

A library card is required to access the entrepreneurial services.

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

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.

Description

TXRX is Houston’s largest nonprofit makerspace, offering an impressive array of fabrication spaces and educational classes. The classes and meetups are available to the general public, however a variety of low-cost membership plans grant access to the facilities and machines therein. Available machines include 3D printers, a water jetting machine, engineering computers, and a full machine shop. Facilities include a photography studio as well as ceramics, wood working, and electronics spaces.

Restrictions

Entrepreneurs looking to use certain equipment will need a commercial membership.

Description

Wi+CoWork is a coworking space that emphasizes creative synergy and entrepreneurism. The space is uniquely designed with bright colors, natural light, and a variety of artistic accents throughout. Membership plans are flexible and accommodate a range of budgets and work requirements. Events are frequently hosted for both professional skill building and social networking.

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.