Important Resources for Small Business

Owning a small business can be challenging, especially if you are just starting. The good news is the United States loves small business and our government loves to see small business succeed. There are plenty of local and national resources ready, willing, and able to help you with your small business needs.  In todays blog, we will give you a valuable “laundry list” of people, places, and things you can take advantage of in your quest to succeed at owning a small business.

 

Government Contracting:

Cross Timbers Procurement Technical Assistance Center:

Cross Timbers Procurement Technical Assistance Center (CTPTAC) helps companies find contracts for work with local, state and federal governments. They can be very beneficial for anyone looking for those hard-to-achieve (and often very lucrative) government contracts.

 

Grants for Small Business:

First and foremost, you’ll need to understand that the government does not give out “free money” to individuals so they can start a business or cover personal expenses. Yes, we know you’ve seen conflicting information online, and in the news media, but the federal government does not offer these types of grants. In fact, if it sounds too good to be true….it is!  You can find out more information about that here: USA Government Grants.

There are other government benefits available to individuals, but none of them are geared toward small businesses.  For more information on government programs that may help you pay for food, housing, health care, and other basic living expenses. You can click HERE:

 

What Government Grants are Actually Available?

You’ve heard about government grants available – but they are very specific to the type of industry in which they are granted. Grants from the government fund only ideas and projects that provide public services and stimulate the economy. You can find a list of the grants that are supported by the government here: Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA).

Industries that Obtain Government Grants:

  • State and local governments
  • Universities
  • Research labs
  • Law enforcement
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Businesses

 

Learn about Federal Grants:

You can learn more about Federal Grants HERE

From the Small Business Administration (SBA): HERE (Keep in mind many COVID grants have ended)

For Research and Development grants: Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Grants, click HERE 

Minority Business Development Agency Grants: HERE

 

For Small Business Tax Help:

IRS.gov Small Business and Self-Employed Resources:  HERE

 

Mentoring and Training:

SCORE is a great local resource who can help Small Business owners with training and mentoring. Their volunteers bring decades of experience in a variety of business industries. You can find out more about SCORE, HERE

 

Non-Degree Educational Programs:

Collin College Continuing Education HERE

Collin College offers skills and training for adults who are not seeking a degree. Here are some of the small business courses available:

 

Please note: 

The materials, services and/or programs offered in this blog are available as potential resources.  They do not imply or constitute a recommendation or endorsement by the Collin SBDC.

 

 

For additional resources for your small business, or to ask questions on how to find the best information for starting your small business, please contact our experts at the Small Business Development Center – SBDC – serving Collin and Rockwall Counties, Texas.   

 

Blog post by: Steve Shalosky