Entrepreneurial Assistance

Our entrepreneurial spirit and can-do attitude is an unbeatable combination. The Houston region knows that entrepreneurs help build the regional economy. The important role they play as innovators and employers cannot be overstated.

From biomedicine and nanotechnology, to aerospace engineering and the continuing drive to develop alternative forms of energy, Houston's track record of transferring technology and applications from one sector to another has resulted in cutting-edge research and pioneering developments.

Houston Entrepreneurial Enterprises and Innovation Facts:

The Houston region is home to more than 228,000 businesses with less than 100 employees.
Houston's dynamic economy, well-developed information technology sector, talented workforce, business-friendly environment, low costs of living and ease of doing business make it a natural magnet for entrepreneurs.
Forbes ranked Houston as the "Best City to Get Ahead" in June, 2009 based on high wages relative to low cost of living, low unemployment and the number of Forbes Best Big Companies and Best Small Companies located in the area.
Houston's relatively strong economy throughout the recession and its diverse industries such as aerospace, information technology, nanotechnology, biotechnology and medical sectors contributed to its fourth place ranking as "Best Metro Areas for Small Business Startups" by CNN Money in its October 2009 report.
At the beginning of 2009, Rice University earned the number one ranking among major U.S. universities for "impact of their patents on industry".
The Princeton Review ranked University of Houston's undergraduate entrepreneurship program in the C.T. Bauer College of Business Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation second in the nation in its 2008 list of the "Top 25 Undergraduate Schools for Entrepreneurs," published in Entrepreneur magazine.
When looking at the most populous U.S. metros, the Houston region is the third best economic performer, based on their ability to create and sustain jobs, according to the Milken Institute's "2008 Best Performing Large Metro."

Resources for Small and Emerging Businesses
The Houston Region has an unparalleled support system to assist small and emerging businesses wishing to relocate or expand in the area.

Resource	Phone Number	Web Address	Description of Services
BioHouston 8030 El Rio St. Houston, TX 77054	713-842-6188	www.biohouston.org	BioHouston, Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt [501(c)(3)] corporation founded by Houston-region academic/research institutions. They are leading a broad effort to establish the Houston region as a vigorous global competitor in life science and biotechnology commercialization. BioHouston works with the leaders of some of the greatest research institutions in the world and interacts with scientists, venture capitalists, public officials, pharmaceutical industry leaders, and the leaders of emerging biotechnology companies.
City of Houston - One Stop Business Center 900 Bagby St. Houston, TX 77002	832-393-0954	www.houstontx.gov/onestop	The One Stop Business Center provides free information, programs and services designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs regarding city, county, state and federal regulations.
Houston Export Assistance Center 1919 Smith St., Suite 1026 Houston, TX 77002	713-209-3104	www.buyusa.gov/houston/	The U.S. Export Assistance Center of the U.S. Department of Commerce is part of the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service, an extensive network of trade specialists located throughout the world devoted to assisting U.S. companies expand their international business presence. The Export Assistance Center helps companies identify and evaluate international partners, navigate international documentation challenges, create market entry strategies and provide other export related guidance.
Houston Minority Business Council Three Riverway, Suite 555 Houston, TX 77056	713-271-7805	www.hmbc.org	The Houston Minority Business Council exists to actively involve its members in efforts that will increase and expand business opportunities and business growth for minority business enterprises.
*Houston Technology Center* 410 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002	713-658-1750	www.houstontech.org	HTC is a nonprofit organization enabling and accelerating the growth of emerging technology companies for the purpose of creating jobs and promoting economic development in the greater Houston region.
SATOP - Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program 2525 Bay Area Blvd., Suite 640 Houston, TX 77058	281-486-5535	www.spacetechsolutions.com	The Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP) strives to transfer the knowledge and technology of the space program to small businesses. Any type of small business is encouraged to submit a technical challenge to SATOP. If SATOP is able to assist, the small business is provided with up to 40 hours of FREE technical assistance from a scientist or engineer in the Space Program.
SBDC - Small Business Development Center 2302 Fannin, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77002	713-752-8444	www.sbdc.uh.edu	The SBDC offers assistance to those starting or expanding a business. The center offers services such as consulting, workshops and seminars, specialty programs, facility rental and customized training and access to the SBDC's business library.
SCORE - Service Corps of Retired Executives 8701 S. Gessner, Suite 1200 Houston, TX 77074	713-773-6565	www.scorehouston.org	SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide.SCORE volunteers serve as "Counselors to America's Small Business." They are real-world professionals with time-tested knowledge who donate thousands of hours to help small businesses succeed. Counselors are experts in such areas as accounting, finance, marketing, management and business plan preparation.
Texas Online (Information on business registrations, licenses and permits)	N/A	http://www.state.tx.us/portal/tol/en/bus/2	Licenses, registrations and permitting varies by the industry and regulating agency. The state's website will provide detailed information on this topic.
The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship Rice University 6100 Main Street Houston, TX 77005	713-348-3443	www.alliance.rice.edu	The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship is Rice University's flagship initiative devoted to the support of technology entrepreneurship. The Rice Alliance has assisted in the launch over 225 new technology companies. The Rice Alliance provides a collaborative network and forum for support, education, and exchange of ideas. It also provides entrepreneurs access to the human and financial capital needed for success.
U.S. Small Business Administration 409 3rd Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20416	713-773-6500 Toll free number: 1-800-U-ASK-SBA (1-800-827-5722)	www.sba.gov	The U.S. Small Business Administration is an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.
Workforce Solutions P.O. Box 22777 Houston, TX 77227-2777	713-627-3200 Toll free number: 1-888-469-JOBS (5627)	www.wrksolutions.com	Workforce Solutions provides free assistance to businesses of all sizes; they can answer questions relating to state and federal employment laws; can help companies find qualified candidates who are trained and equipped with the correct skills to fill open positions; and can also help find solutions for human resource needs. The organization matches qualified applicants with employers through the largest job matching database in the state - www.workintexas.com