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How to Start a Business in Texas

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

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How to Start a Business in Texas

Starting a business in Texas

If you are thinking about starting a business in Texas or would like to grow your existing business, we would love to help you.

Start Your Own Business in Texas contains resources and the information that will help give your venture the best chance of success. It also highlights organisations who offer friendly advice and the services that you are likely to need as a new startup or local business owner.

Grants | Networking groups | Business advice | Mentoring | Co-working spaces

Starting a business in Texas

Free Startup Resources

Getting it right from the start can help to prevent problems later.

To help you with this we have created a vast selection of resources and they are all completely free!

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or already running a business in the state, this web page is designed to provide you with valuable information and resources to support your journey to success.

Texas, located in the southern part of the United States, offers a vibrant business environment with a diverse economy, favorable tax regulations, and a culture of entrepreneurship.

Relevant Laws for Businesses in Texas

Before starting a business in Texas, it's important to be aware of the relevant laws and regulations that govern business operations. These may include business formation, licensing, employment, taxation, intellectual property, and more. Familiarize yourself with the legal requirements to ensure compliance and smooth operations for your business. Some key laws to consider include:

  • Business Structure: Determine the appropriate legal structure for your business, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Each structure has different implications for liability, taxation, and governance.
  • Taxation: Understand the state and federal tax obligations for businesses in Texas. Familiarize yourself with sales tax, franchise tax, employer taxes, and any industry-specific taxes that may apply to your business.
  • Licensing and Permits: Identify the specific licenses and permits required for your industry and business activities. Check with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and local authorities to ensure compliance.
  • Employment Law: Familiarize yourself with state and federal employment laws, including minimum wage, overtime pay, anti-discrimination laws, and employee benefits.
  • Intellectual Property: Consider protecting your intellectual property assets through trademarks, copyrights, or patents. Consult with an attorney specializing in intellectual property law for guidance.
  • Contracts and Agreements: Understand the basics of contract law and ensure that any agreements, leases, or contracts you enter into are legally sound and protect your business interests.
Demographics of Texas

Texas is the second-largest state in the United States both in terms of area and population. As of the latest available data, the estimated population of Texas is over 29 million residents. The state is culturally diverse and home to a wide range of industries, making it a fertile ground for business opportunities.

Major Towns and Cities
  1. Houston: Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest city in the United States. It is a major hub for industries such as energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and aerospace. Houston offers a diverse and thriving business ecosystem.
  2. Dallas: Dallas is a prominent business and financial center in Texas. It is known for its strong presence in industries like telecommunications, banking, technology, and healthcare. Dallas provides a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive.
  3. Austin: Austin, the state capital, is a dynamic city with a thriving tech scene and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. It is home to numerous startups, tech companies, and creative industries. Austin offers a blend of innovation, entrepreneurship, and a high quality of life.
  4. San Antonio: San Antonio is a city rich in history and culture. It has a diverse economy that includes sectors such as healthcare, tourism, military, and finance. San Antonio offers a favorable business climate and numerous resources for entrepreneurs.
Local Government Offices in Texas

To navigate the regulatory landscape and access necessary permits and licenses, it's essential to be familiar with the local government offices in Texas. Here are some key offices along with their website links for further information:

Business Support Organizations in Texas

Texas offers a wealth of resources and support organizations for businesses at every stage of their journey. Whether you need assistance with funding, mentorship, networking, or general guidance, these organizations can provide valuable support. Here are a few noteworthy organizations dedicated to helping businesses in Texas, along with their website links:

We hope this guide provides you with a solid foundation for starting or running a business in Texas. Explore the rest of our website for more detailed information, guides, and additional resources that will help you on your entrepreneurial journey in the Lone Star State. Good luck!

FREE startup workshops

If you are thinking about starting a business, our FREE three-hour ONLINE workshop is definitely for you!

Open to everyone, our sole aim is to increase your chances of success. We do that by explaining:

The reality of running a business; the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them; which legal status is likely to be most suitable; funding, grants and managing your money; business planning and cashflow forecasting; finding and keeping customers.

Free startup guide

Start Your Own Business in 2024

Download the 2024 edition of our Free Start Your Own Business guide

An interactive step-by-step guide which also includes all of the most important subjects covered in an easy-to-read way with links to useful online articles and relevant contacts.

The idea of starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and who can blame you for being tempted?

However, the sad truth is that far too many new enterprises fail in the early stages. Our aim is to make sure that you don’t become one of them.

This guide explains the key start-up subjects in simple English.

There is also plenty of help available in the area and much of it is free - please do make the most of it.

Read more about what our Free guide contains and how you can download it.
Starting a business in Texas

Key Contacts in Texas

'You don't know what you don't know' is a phrase that is so applicable to starting a new business.

Texas is a great place for start-ups but your chances of success are dramatically improved if you make the most of the support that is available locally. Click on logos to visit their websites.

Start-up articles

100's of free startup articles

We have created a collection of 100s of startup articles to help anyone with whatever stage they are on with their business journey. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone before you and we can learn from what they got right and avoid the things that have been proved not to work so well.

You can see the full list of 'articles' at: How to start a business