Best Small Business Resources in the Houston 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 Houston 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
The Office of Business Opportunity Solutions Center
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
The Solutions Center is a City of Houston program designed to spur economic development by providing personal assistance to local entrepreneurs. Specifically, the center has on-site staff that can answer questions related to permits and licensing, as well as SCORE counseling. The center maintains an extensive referral network of local incubators, trade organizations, and universities.
Restrictions
Some services are not available to businesses outside of the city of Houston.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
Houston Business Development Inc.
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Accepts Walks In
Description
This organization offers a comprehensive resource library with databases, computers with commercial software, and periodicals. Events are regularly hosted here at minimal cost and SCORE counselors are available five days a week. The Business Technology Center is a mixed-use space offering affordable office space, administrative services, and flexible facilities.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
Houston Public Library
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Accepts Walks In
Description
Houston’s central library offers a comprehensive business resource center, with dozens of research databases available to anyone with a library card. There are also meeting rooms available for reservation. The library system hosts numerous public events throughout the year, some of which may be of interest to entrepreneurs looking to start a new business.
Restrictions
A library card is required to access the entrepreneurial services.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

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Planning

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Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
500 McKinney St.
Houston, TX 77002
832-393-1313
HOURS OF OPERATION:
MON-THURS: 9am-8pm
FRI-SAT: 10am-5pm
SUN: Closed
Houston 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
Lone Star 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
TXRX Labs
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Accepts Walks In
Description
TXRX is Houston’s largest nonprofit makerspace, offering an impressive array of fabrication spaces and educational classes. The classes and meetups are available to the general public, however a variety of low-cost membership plans grant access to the facilities and machines therein. Available machines include 3D printers, a water jetting machine, engineering computers, and a full machine shop. Facilities include a photography studio as well as ceramics, wood working, and electronics spaces.
Restrictions
Entrepreneurs looking to use certain equipment will need a commercial membership.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
205 Roberts St.
Houston, TX 77003
832-481-4123
info@txrxlabs.org
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Standard Hours:
MON-FRI: 10am-10pm
SAT: 9am-8pm
SUN: 10am-7pm
Wi+CoWork
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Wi+CoWork is a coworking space that emphasizes creative synergy and entrepreneurism. The space is uniquely designed with bright colors, natural light, and a variety of artistic accents throughout. Membership plans are flexible and accommodate a range of budgets and work requirements. Events are frequently hosted for both professional skill building and social networking.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
2502 La Branch St.
Houston, TX 77004
832-418-0167
info@wicowork.com
Womens Business Enterprise Alliance
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available
Restrictions
The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
9800 Northwest Freeway, Suite 120
Houston, TX 77018
713-681-9232
tprophet@wbea-texas.org