Business Resources

BLANCO COUNTY TEXAS GUIDE TO STARTING A BUSINESS: www.HillCountryPortal.com/web/businessguide. A practical, “how-to” manual.

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU OF CENTRAL TEXAS: 800-580-8477; 1005 La Pasada Drive, Austin, TX 78752. BBB. Includes on-line search for reports on businesses, and filing complaints

EXPORT-IMPORT BANK: www.exim.gov

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (FLHB): www.fhlb.com. A cooperatively owned wholesale bank that supports housing and economic development in the communities served by our member institutions.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SEED AND VENTURE FUNDS (NASVF): www.nasvf.org. An international membership organization that advocates for the growth of seed and early-stage innovation capital. NASVF connects the people in the world of venture capital and regional economic development, and collaborates with public and private fund managers and tech transfer professionals, who are committed to building their local economies by investing in entrepreneurs.

TEXAS EMERGING TECHNOLOGY FUND (TETF): www.emergingtechfund.com. Created by the Texas Legislature in 2005. An advisory committee of high-tech leaders, entrepreneurs and research experts reviews potential projects and recommends funding allocations to the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House. To date, the TETF has allocated more than $197.2 million in funds to 133 early stage companies, and $173 million in grant matching and research superiority funds to Texas universities, attracting 57 lead researchers, 20 research teams and more than 360 research staff.

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS: www.txbiz.org. TAB works to improve the Texas business climate and to help make our state’s economy the strongest in the world.

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAUS: www.tacvb.org

TEXAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES: www.tcce.org  TCCE is an organization of chamber executives from across the state, working together to improve the business climate in Texas, while developing ways to enhance the quality of life in the communities that they represent.

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE: www.agr.state.tx.us

GO TEXAN PROGRAM: www.gotexan.org. Launched by the Texas Department of Agriculture in 1999, Go Texan promotes the products, culture and communities of Texas. The easily recognizable logo – a glowing brand in the shape of Texas – taps into Lone Star loyalty, working to persuade the 22 million Texans who shop, dine and travel to choose the state’s bounty. Grant programs available.

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: https://gov.texas.gov/business

TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – GOVERNOR’S OFFICE: http://governor.state.tx.us/ecodev

TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL: 512-480-8432; www.texasedc.org. An Austin-based, statewide, non-profit professional association dedicated to development of economic and employment opportunities in Texas. TEDC is a one-stop shop for ideas, information, and influence. We are the largest state association of economic development professionals, volunteers, and elected officials. Our diverse members share a common goal — bringing new investment and jobs to Texas.

TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORY: www.ecodevdirectory.com/texas.htm

TEXAS ENTERPRISE FUND (TEF): Click here for more info. Provides the state’s leaders with a “deal closing fund” that has the flexibility and financial resources to help strengthen the state’s economy. The fund can be used for a variety of economic development projects including infrastructure and community development, job training programs and business incentives. Before funds can be awarded, the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker must unanimously agree to support the use of the TEF for each specific project. TEF is used primarily to attract new business to the state or assist with the substantial expansion of an existing business as part of competitive recruitment. State leadership will also be able to use Enterprise funds to leverage other resources for an economic development project. To be eligible, a project must demonstrate a significant return on the state’s investment and strong local support. The review process will consider a variety of factors, including job creation and wages, capital investment, financial strength of the applicant, applicant’s business history, analysis of the relevant business sector, and public and private sector financial support.

TEXAS HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION: 1-800-856-4328; www.texaslodging.com. To provide members representation and cost effective services at the national, state, and local levels in governmental affairs, education, and communications. Represents hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfasts, guest ranches, and tourism-related businesses since 1903.

TEXAS MANUFACTURING ASSISTANCE CENTER (TMAC): www.tmac.org

TEXAS MIDWEST COMMUNITY NETWORK: 325-795-TMCN (8626); www.tmcn.org. Mission is to promote a regional approach to provide the resources and awareness for its members to achieve economic and community growth.

TEXAS STATE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER-SAN MARCOS: 512-245-4686; 601 University Dr, McCoy Hall, Rm 322, San Marcos, TX 78666.https://txsbdc.org/. Serves counties in Hill Country: Blanco, Burnet, Hays, Lampasas, Llano, San Saba, Travis, Williamson. Funded by SBA. Works with existing and start-up businesses to help them advance and compete. Services offered include counseling, training, research.

TEXAS TRAVEL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION: 512-328-8842; 3345 Bee Caves Rd, Suite 102A, Austin, TX 78746. www.ttia.org

TEXAS WIDE OPEN FOR BUSINESS: www.TexasWideOpenForBusiness.com. Any company looking to expand in or relocate to Texas will have all of the tools necessary for expansion or relocation at its fingertips. The new web site features informative sections on the Texas Enterprise Fund and other state incentive programs, as well as financing options for companies looking to create jobs and drive innovation in Texas. Extensive economic and key industry resources, workforce data, and information for small businesses are also highlighted on the new site. Businesses can also explore user-friendly interactive maps, reports and research tools, as well as the latest news on business development in Texas. This content appeals not only to corporate decision makers, but to members of the general public interested in the state of the Texas business climate. Texas continues to be a national example for job creation and a leader in the global marketplace, consistently attracting employers seeking a better place to start or expand their business, thanks to our low taxes, reasonable and predictable regulatory environment, fair legal system and skilled workforce.

TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION: www.twc.state.tx.us

US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE: www.usda.gov. Rural development financial programs, water and sewer systems, housing, health clinics, economic development, loans, lending pools.

US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: www.uschamber.com

US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE: www.doc.gov

US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION: www.eda.gov

US SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: www.sba.gov

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION RESOURCES

GRANT STATION: GrantStation.com. For non-profit organizations, information on availability on new funding programs, upcoming grant deadlines, conferences, training and relevant info for grant seekers.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NON-PROFITS: Toll-free: 800-201-0779; 1101 Vermont Ave, NW, Ste 1002 Washington, DC 20005. www.councilofnonprofits.org. NCONP advances the vital role and capacity of the nonprofit sector in civil society and supports and gives voice to state and regional associations of nonprofit organizations.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AT AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE: www.nonprofitaustin.org. The Center exists to promote, leverage and facilitate community collaborations and partnerships that broaden the horizons and possibilities for the Central Texas Nonprofit Sector. These collaborations reflect the Center’s ability to bring business, government and nonprofit sectors together around common goals.

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS: 512-223-7076; POB 27914 Austin, TX 78755-7914. www.tano.org. Mission is to connect, strengthen, and support the nonprofit community for the public good of Texas.