Best Small Business Resources in the Dallas Area

Starting a business is a life-changing experience. Texas has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Dallas area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
You can also read our guide to starting a business in Texas.
Resources Available in your Area
Fort Worth Business Assistance Center (BAC)
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Accepts Walks In
Description
The BAC is a one-stop-shop for local entrepreneurs, offering free counseling and free or low-cost workshops on a variety of small business related topics through its suite of organizations. They also host a business plan competition that teaches you to create a business plan and the five winning business plans receive counseling and workshops to help advance their plan.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1150 South Freeway
Fort Worth, TX 76104
817-871-6025
fwbac@fortworthtexas.gov
Addison Treehouse
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Addison Treehouse is a resource-oriented coworking space that offers coworking, mentoring, and entrepreneurial events for members. Addison Treehouse offers a dedicated group of mentors, experienced business professionals categorized by the specific topics they’re happy to discuss. The space frequently hosts speakers and workshops on small business development, available to members.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
Business Community Lenders of Texas
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
BCL offers a variety of financial services aimed at helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals. Specifically, BCL offers classes on a series of small business topics and one-on-one coaching by appointment. These services are intended for entrepreneurs at any stage of the journey, from idea refinement to startup growth. All services are offered for free.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
Dallas B.R.A.I.N.
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Accepts Walks In
Description
Dallas B.R.A.I.N. is a partnership between the Dallas Office of Economic Development and Dallas Public Library, providing an organized list of easily accessible resources to entrepreneurs starting and growing a business. Dallas B.R.A.I.N. also offers a business plan checklist, guiding you from idea generation to launch. This organization also includes the Sammons Business Center at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library which offers access to databases, open work areas, and sample business plans.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
J. Erik Jonsson Central Library , 1515 Young St.
Dallas, TX 75201
214-670-3441
business@dallaslibrary.org
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Standard Hours:
10-6 Mon, Fri, Sat
10-8 Tue, Wed, Thu
1-5 Sun
Dallas SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
Ensemble Coworking
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Ensemble Coworking is a Fort Worth based coworking space that offers a variety of flexible membership options. Amenities include conference rooms, internet, and several desk options. The space also hosts events and meetups for local entrepreneurs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1617 Park Place Ave., Suite 110
Fort Worth, TX 76110
817-984-3633
connect@ensemblecoworking.com
North Texas SBDC
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth