Living in a boom town is a strange experience. Owning and operating a business in a boom town is a wild ride for sure. Owning and operating a business in a boom town during a global pandemic is a carnival ride like no other! Whether you are exploring opening a business as a career change or are looking to refresh an existing business’s plan, the City of Austin’s Small Business Division has a whole ecosystem of resources to support your efforts. The mission of the Small Business Division is to foster job creation and support the growth of new and existing businesses by providing capacity-building information, tools, and resources. They accomplish through business training, educational events, and coaching that empowers entrepreneurs. Some of their offerings are detailed here and full access is available here.
Knowledge is power but data is king! SizeUpAustin is an incredible, no-cost, easy-to-use platform that allows you to access data to help your small business make better decisions around competitive bench marking, customers, suppliers, even marketing and advertising. Free data on the Austin market and on potential competitors? Sign me up!
More important than ever, Small Business Preparedness is a resource site to aid and assist businesses in creating a plan for disaster recovery, including economic and natural disasters with information to meet the immediate needs of your business during your time of preparation and recovery.
Ever wish there was someone you could talk to about big business decisions who would actually get it and be able to give you thoughtful, informed advice? Look no further! Individualized business coaching is available at no cost to existing small business owners and can help develop a marketing strategy, find lending assistance, learn to effectively network, or become more competitive with a business plan. This is an incredible resource – access it here.
This orientation offers a no-cost opportunity to talk to business professionals about basic business information and to receive guidance. Register online here.
BizOpen Orientation: Commercial Property Requirements
The orientation covers the general development process including zoning, permitting, inspections, events and obtaining a certificate of occupancy and acts as the main point of contact for new and existing small business owners seeking assistance navigating the Planning and Zoning Department and the Development Services Department. Register online here.
Knowledge is power and you to stay on top of things of your skills to keep your business moving in the right direction is paramount. Many classes are offered to help small business owners develop skills. Visit the calendar for a complete list of upcoming classes and events.
Business Skills Certification
Through a partnership with the University of Texas at Austin Center for Professional Education, SBD offers classes in marketing, social media, human resources, money management, and small business taxes. Complete six of these qualifying small business classes and earn a Business Skills Certificate.
Through a partnership with Austin Public Health, the Economic Development Department is expanding the Healthy Corner Stores Program. This program, which is free to join, helps store owners grow their business by increasing sales of healthy food items.
This comprehensive directory of non-profit agencies, local, state, and federal governments is a great place to start when you’re looking for help in your specific industry or for a specific issue.
In addition to these amazing resources, you can also access information about funding, starting a business, or relocating your business. Do you have a need that you don’t see represented here? Drop us a line and we’ll get you connected with the people who have what you’re looking for.