Guide to Small Business in Houston
Contents
Research Abstract
The Houston small business ecosystem consists of many development centers, incubators, education centers and networking organizations. The research complied below is an overarching look at the different resources available for entrepreneurs in Houston. Each institution is accompanied by short descriptions and program details to help the entrepreneur understand which resource is best suited for them. In addition, convenience and developmental stage scales are included to better classify the institutions and the services they offer.
Glossary
Name:
This is the official name of the organization. Keep in mind that some organizations may be part of a larger umbrella program or organization.
Classification:
Incubator
Non-Profit Status:
Is this organization a non-profit or a for-profit? Generally, non-profits exist to provide a public service.
Cost:
How much does it cost to use the particular resource?
| Cost | Price Description |
| $ | <$50 |
| $$ | $50-250 |
| $$$ | $250-1000 |
| $$$$ | >$1000 |
Developmental Stage:
The developmental stage listed in each institution's info box is the suggested business development stage that an entrepreneur should at least be at in order to succeed with an organization. Many times, knowing which areas of business development you need assistance with can make the whole process more efficient.
| Development Stage | Description |
| Concept | The small business owner needs assistance with or has recently completed their business plan, and basic development of their business's structure. |
| Start-Up | The business has just become incorporated. |
| Growth | The small business owner has perhaps turned a profit or is more comfortable with their initial planning and seeks to scale their business growth. |
| Established | The business has been around for at least a couple years and the owner feels confident about their role as an entrepreneur. |
Minorities:
This organization provides specific resources for minority small business owners.
Women:
This organization provides specific resources for female small business owners.
Education:
This organization provides specific education resources for small business owners.
Certification:
This organization provides specific certification resources for small businesses and their owners.
Consulting:
This organization provides specific consulting resources for small business owners.
Coworking:
This organization provides specific co-working spaces for small businesses.
Financing:
This organization provides specific financing resources for your small business.
Meeting:
This organization provides specific meeting spaces for small businesses.
Mentoring:
This organization provides specific mentoring opportunities for small business owners.
Networking:
This organization provides specific networking opportunities for small business owners.
Website:
This is the official website of the organization, where you can find out more about the resource and its services.
Contact E-Mail:
This is an e-mail used to communicate with the organization. Keep in mind there is more than one way to contact the organization (e.g. Facebook Messenger, Twitter, phone call)
Contact Phone Number:
This is a phone number used to communicate with the organization. Keep in mind there is more than one way to contact the organization (e.g. Facebook Messenger, Twitter, E-Mail)
Accessibility scale:
The accessibility scale exists to aid in your search for an organization that is best suited for you. "High" implies that the organization is easy to join, and membership dues, or service costs are fairly affordable. Following that logic, "Moderate" signals an increase in difficulty to become a member and/or a steeper membership price. "Low" accessibility means that admittance is selective and/or the cost is significantly high.
Developmental stage scale:
The developmental stage listed in each institution's info box is the suggested business development stage that an entrepreneur should at least be at in order to succeed with an organization. "Concept" implies that the entrepreneur needs assistance with or has recently completed their business plan, and basic development of their business's structure. "Start-Up" designates a business that has just become incorporated. "Growth" signifies that the entrepreneur has perhaps turned a profit or is more comfortable with their initial planning and seeks to scale their business growth. "Established" indicates that your business has been around for at least a couple years or more and you feel confident about your role as a business owner now. Many times, knowing which areas of business development you need assistance with can make the whole process more efficient.
Interactive Map
Portal
 | ||
 | ||
 |
 |
 |
 | ||
 | ||
 | ||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 | |
Resources
Need help finding specific resources for your small business? Visit the pages below for detailed help on specific aspects of creating and growing a small business. We also include resources depending on the size and stage of the business, and the budget of the business. Finally, a list of special resources for specific small business owners is provided.
Specific Resources
Networking
Education
Mentoring
Financing
Certification
Consulting
Co-Working Space
Meeting Space
Small Business Stage
Resources Based on Development Stage
Resources Based on Accessibility
Special Resources
Resources for Women
Resources for Minorities
Studied Institutions
Additional resources
North Houston Economic Development Council
Turner School of Construction Mangement
The Houston West Chamber of Commerce
Professional Women's Network of Houston
Northwest Houston Business and Professional Women
The Entrepreneurs' Organization
Houston West Chamber of Commerce
LiftFund Women’s Business Center
