As a business owner, you need to know the necessary paperwork to effectively run your small businesses. You may also want assistance to grow your business and change direction. Help is available free of charge. A little effort now can save you a lot later!

Note: business owners should always seek the guidance of a professional tax consultant, accountant, and/or attorney to verify all legal requirements are met when operating a business.

Where to Find Help

BizAid℠ Business Coaching

Individualized BizAid Coaching is available at no cost to existing small business owners to help develop a marketing strategy, find lending assistance, learn to effectively network, or become more competitive.  Call 512-974-7800 for a referral to a BizAid Coach and learn more about growing or changing your small business.

Business Solutions Center (BSC)

BSC offers use of state of the art computer equipment, high-speed internet access, as well as several online databases, which are: infoUSA - conduct market research with a database of over 14 million commercial and residential contacts Plan Write - business plan writing software BizMiner - industry financial profiles and reports Business-in-a-Box - over 1400 templates essential for day-to-day business such as non-compete agreements, vendor agreements, financial statements, and many other commonly used business documents B2G Market - connects you to government bid opportunities for your product or service DemographicsNow - U.S. Census Bureau information and data used for researching specific areas for business location and customer identification LoopNet - an online database which assists in locating commercial real estate property for sale or for lease The BSC also provides access to copiers, CD burners, fax machines, printers and a scanner. We also have a vast collection of written entrepreneurial materials that may help with determining the best avenue to establish and grow a business. The BSC also offers free notary services. City of Austin staff is on site to help Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM at One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road. Bring a USB drive to take data with you. For more information call 512-974-7786

Explore Local Austin

SBDP has developed an online, interactive map of small, locally-owned businesses in Austin. The purpose of this project is to provide a more significant presence on the Web to these businesses--increasing visitors' and residents' awareness of local businesses.

BizAid Business Education 

BizEd offers a variety of low-cost classes, networking events and special events to help small business owners develop skills. Twenty-three different classes in the subject areas of marketing, social media, finance, accounting, and management are offered. Visit our calendar for a complete list of upcoming classes and events. The City of Austin honors completion of any six (6) classes with a Small Business Success Skills Certificate, awarded by the Mayor and Council. There is no time limit for completion of the necessary classes and graduation cerficate ceremonies are held in May and December.

Annual Events for Small Businesses

Directories of Organizations Helpful to Small Businesses

The Small Business Development Program (SBDP) serves as a clearinghouse of information to directly help business owners or refer them to the "right place."

Directories

Gold Pages - Directory of local organizations for small business.

Silver Pages - Directory of business networking and trade organizations.

Bronze Pages - Directory of women and ethnic minority professional organizations.

New Directories

Blue Pages - Directory detailing City of Austin programs and resources for small business.

Green Pages - Directory a guide to City of Austin incentives, rebates, services and programs for a "greener business".

Recordkeeping is Essential

Note: business owners should always seek the guidance of a professional tax consultant, accountant, and/or attorney to verify all legal requirements are met when operating a business. A little effort now can save you a lot later!

Income Tax Basics

You don’t have to be a tax expert but there are some tax basics for you to know. The IRS has forms, information, and video workshops for small business owners.

Collecting and Remitting Sales Tax

Texas tax law governs the collection and remittance of sales tax, as well as the goods and services that are taxable. Texas Guidelines for Collecting Local Sales and Use Tax can be accessed at here.

Local Sales and Use Tax structures

Now I’m the Boss. Help! Hiring and Managing Employees

WorkInTexas.com is an easy to use database housing thousands of applicants who are looking for work. You can list your open jobs and receive information on qualified applicants for free. WorkInTexas.com is the largest repository of job applicants in the state. Especially for Texas Employers is a compilation of Federal and State of Texas employment law in easy to understand language. Access this document by clicking here.

Capital Area Texas Workforce Solutions has friendly business consultants who can answer your questions about employment law, hiring and firing, managing employees, and more. Call them at 512-597-7137 or 512-485-3790.

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation is a state-regulated insurance system that provides covered employees with income and medical benefits if they are injured on the job or have a work-related injury or illness.  Except in cases of gross negligence, workers’ compensation insurance limits an employer’s liability if an employee brings suit against the employer for damages.  In Texas private employers can choose whether or not to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage.  Texas employers who do not carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage are required to report their non-coverage status and work-related injuries and illnesses to the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC).  Employers are also required to notify their employees if they do not carry workers’ compensation insurance.  Employers who do carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage are required to report any work-related injuries and illnesses to their insurance carrier.  Employers that fail to meet these requirements commit an administrative violation and may be subject to administrative penalties. Email at WorkersCompCustomerServices@tdi.state.tx.us

Location, Location, Location!

City codes and development processes are unique from city to city, however the reason code is adopted is not unique. Code is adopted to protect the health, welfare, and safety of the public. When opening a physical location it is important to research and comply with the City of Austin codes and regulations. Contact BizOpen© staff to get help navigating these regulations and get your business up and running.

Hosting Events at Your Austin Business Location

As you plan your special business event, the City of Austin reminds you to check on necessary event permits for sound, temporary change of use, and other issues that could affect those around your location. Be sure your event has been cleared to proceed without incident by calling 512-974-7800.

Relocating Your Business

So you are thinking about moving your business to another Austin location. Be sure to check with the City of Austin to ensure the new location is zoned for your type of business, that you are aware of any conditions that will need to be brought up to date per Austin building codes, and that you know the necessary permits for any build out needs. You can find help to navigate through these issues at the Small Business Development Program by calling 512-974-7800.