Guides - Tutorials
Starting a small business is always risky, and the chance of success is slim. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, roughly 50% of small businesses fail within the first five years. These figures aren't meant to scare you, but to prepare you for the rocky path ahead. Underestimating the difficulty of starting a business is one of the biggest obstacles entrepreneurs face. However, success can be yours if you are patient, willing to work hard, and take all the necessary steps.—Office of the Governor of Texas-Rick Perry
4 Steps to Starting a Business
Starting a business requires you to complete a number of steps and make some key decisions. Though part of your overall plan, you’ll need to select a location, decide on a business structure, and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. In addition, determining which financing options will meet your short-term needs and long-term goals is crucial. Within this section, we’ll provide information on how to get started.
Guide to Patent Searching
In addition to finding basic information about patent and trademark processes and searching, learn how to search patents from home, using the United States Patent and Trademark Office website, definitions and types of patents, what is patentable and patent myths.
Guide to Starting a Business
Starting a business in Texas requires only four primary steps: Choosing a Business Structure, Getting an Employer Identification Number (also known as a federal tax I.D. number), Setting up Tax Information, and, for most businesses, Preparing for Employees. This site will walk you through each of these steps, giving you the tools, information, and confidence you need to begin offering your products and services to citizens and organizations within the state.
Start or Expand a Business
From the Texas Workforce Commission, you’ll find resources for starting and expanding your business, tools to help your business thrive, and career and economic data.
Starting a Business IRS
Most businesses start out small. As a new business owner you need to know your federal tax responsibilities. This page provides links to basic federal tax information for people who are starting a business. It also provides information to assist in making basic business decisions. The list should not be construed as all-inclusive. Other steps may be appropriate for your specific type of business.
TexasOnline: Business Portal
Find guides for starting your business, required licenses and permits, business research and statistics, government opportunities and much more. TexasOnline is intended to serve as the official compilation of Texas government electronic resources, both at the state and local levels, and as an index of Texas governmental or taxing authority web sites and services.
Texas Workforce Commission
Resources specifically for businesses and employers that include laws and requirements, labor law, unemployment compensation, employee training programs, job posting, civil rights and discrimination and more. Visit the online directory to find the nearest Texas Workforce Center.
The Texas Business Advisor
Entrepreneurship forms the basis of free market capitalism, fueling growth in the state economy. The Comptroller joins others in encouraging the spirit to try new ideas, build a business, attain wealth, and create jobs. The Business Advisor is our attempt to provide helpful information by opening a "one-stop shop," for your convenience in learning how to start a business in Texas.
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Navarro College SBDC is a non-profit, professional agency jointly funded and sponsored by Navarro College and the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBDCs programs and services are provided to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodation will made for persons with disabilities, as well as to clients with limited English proficiency if requested at least two weeks in advance. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions or services of any external parties or services.