BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION RESOURCES
GENERAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
This nonprofit provides free small business counseling and resources, low cost business workshops and special customized services. Their certified mentors are experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and executives with a diverse set of industries and specialties who volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business owners and entrepreneurs achieve success.
TCTX Thrive 3.0 SBSP is a collaborative program created in partnership between Travis County, People Fund, and Roads Consulting Group. Their goal is to help small businesses, particularly those owned by minorities and women, grow, scale, and thrive. They provide technical assistance, training, and valuable resources to small businesses in Travis County, but outside of Austin city limits, empowering them to achieve lasting success.
Texas State Small Business Development Center
The Texas State University SBDC works with existing and startup small businesses to help them grow and compete in today’s global economy. SBDCs are available to provide assistance during every phase of the business life cycle. The improvements that result from their direct support of their client’s activities lead to job creation, investments, and economic growth for communities throughout central Texas.
TexHealth Central Texas offers innovative health plans specifically designed to help small businesses attract and retain employees by offering them the most affordable benefits coverage to stay healthy and on the job.
Volunteers provide advice to all small business owners with fewer than 20 employees
Minority Business Development Agency
Federal agency tasked with assisting minority owned businesses; provides training, counseling, and access to funding.
Minority Business Development Institute
The Minority Business Development Institute (MBDI) is an innovative, community-based, non-profit organization born out of a passionate desire to “change the paradigm” of economic inequality for the minority, veteran and women contractor community.
University of Texas IC2 Institute – Readiness Training Program for HUBs
The Readiness Training Program for HUBs is an innovative training program that enhances the competitiveness and capacity of minority and women-owned small businesses to bid on public sector contracts in the Austin region.
Economic Growth Business Incubator
EGBI provides training, coaching, and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business.
National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc
NMSDC serves as a growth engine for NMSDC-certified minority businesses and creates opportunities to connect MBEs to hundreds of America’s largest corporate members wishing to build relationships with trusted minority-owned companies.
First Nations Development Institute
First Nations Development Institute improves economic conditions for Native Americans through direct financial grants, technical assistance & training, and advocacy & policy.
Small Business Development Centers
Counseling and assistance for all small business owners.
Important Resources to Know About When Starting Your Business
Just getting started? This helpful list of resources will point you in the right direction.
An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Starting a Small Business
An effective business plan demonstrates to potential investors that the business has a well-thought-out strategy, viable market potential, and a positive financial forecast.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES FOR WOMEN-OWNED COMPANIES
Women’s Business Council Southwest
The Women’s Business Council – Southwest (WBCS) hosts a variety of networking, education, and procurement events in the Dallas and Austin areas.
Women’s Business Development Council E-Learning Library
WBDC supports women business owners through workshops, one-on-one coaching, and training programs.
Women’s Business Enterprise-Southwest
WBCS’s mission is to increase the value of women-owned businesses by providing certification, education, advocacy, and mutually beneficial business opportunities for our members and affiliates.
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
WBENC was founded in 1997 to develop a nationwide standard for women-owned business certification.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Online
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women online is a free-to-access online business education program available to any woman around the world.
Nonprofit organization offering access to free educational resources, capital opportunities, networking with peers and experts, and an active, close community.
US Small Business Administration Women’s Business Center
Free and low cost training and counseling.
Texas Women’s University – Center for Women Entrepreneurs
AccelerateHER program; funding; grants for rural businesses and veterans.
BiGAustin’s Women’s BiZ Inc. program serves female entrepreneurs by providing education, consulting, round-table discussions, innovative networking opportunities, and lending programs.
The foundation empowers women and women entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, education and digital resources.
Resources for Women in Business: Empowering Success
This guide, from Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, aims to provide actionable strategies and resources for women in business. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned businesswoman, these insights will help you navigate the complexities of the business world with confidence and skill.
YEAR-END New Member DISCOUNT
Apply to join the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce as a new member by midnight on December 31st, 2025 and save 20%!
Premier-Level = $1200 now $960!
Executive-Level = $800 now $640!
Professional-Level = $400 now $320!
Individual Membership / Community Partnership = $150 now $120!
Get a year’s worth of connections with your Central Texas business community, digital marketing exposure, resources to elevate your business, and much more.
New GAACC memberships at the Premier, Executive, and Professional levels, along with new Community Partners and Individual members, are eligible. This discount will be applied to your bill.