Our division strives to provide helpful programs and resources to guide small business owners.
BizAid℠ Business Orientation
The BizAid Business Orientation is a no-cost opportunity to meet with business professionals who can provide you with basic information and guidance. Register for a BizAid Business Orientation offered online.
BizOpen Orientation: Commercial Property Requirements
The BizOpen Orientation covers the general development process including zoning, permitting, inspections, events and obtaining a certificate of occupancy. BizOpen serves as a point of contact for new and existing small business owners seeking assistance navigating the Planning and Zoning Department as well as the Development Services Department. Register for a BizOpen Orientation
Business Advising
Individualized business advising is available once you have completed BizAid Business Orientation. The consultation is available at no cost to new or existing small business owners to help develop a marketing strategy, find lending assistance, learn to effectively network, or become more competitive with a business plan. PeopleFund's Business Advising Request Form.
A cooperative is a business or organization owned by and operated for the benefit of those using its services. Coaching
Business Training
Small business owners and entrepreneurs can acquire new skills to assist in starting, growing, or expanding their businesses. Small business training includes hiring new personnel, forming a business entity, social media and marketing, and creating a business plan. The training classes are no-cost to low-cost and are either in-person or virtual.
Visit our calendar for a complete list of upcoming classes and events developed to help small business owners develop skills.
The Small Business Preparedness is a resource site to aid and assist businesses in creating a plan for disaster recovery as well as finding help after economic and natural disasters. This site is by no means comprehensive; however, the information contained may meet the immediate needs of your business during your time of preparation and recovery.
Market Research Tools
- Small Business Resource Directory - in this comprehensive directory of non-profit agencies, local, state, and federal governments.
- AtoZdatabases - Directory and marketing database that includes 30 million businesses and 220 million residents.
- SizeUpAustin - Easy-to-use platform that allows you to receive data to help your small business make better decisions around competitive benchmarking, customers, suppliers, marketing, advertising, and demographics.