Small Business Resources
We're here to help your business grow
The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce has compiled a list of city, state, and national resources for Small Businesses.
If have additional resources that would be a good fit for this list, please contact us.
Access to Capital : Money & Financial Resources
Whether you’re launching a new venture, expanding your business, or investing in your next stage of growth, we’re here to help. Explore flexible financing options through the DECA Loan Fund, Kiva loans, and connect with Chamber member banks and financial institutions ready to support your success.
DECA Loan Fund
The DECA Loan Fund is focused on serving small business chamber members from communities with a history of underinvestment. Small Business borrowers can receive $10K – $50K if approved. Schedule a loan inquiry today.
Kiva Loans
In partnership with Kiva, Austin Economic Development’s Small Business Division facilitates crowdfunded microloans to local entrepreneurs looking to launch or expand their businesses. The Austin LGBT Chamber is a proud trustee.
Banking Partners
Explore additional funding and financial solutions through the Austin LGBT Chamber’s network of trusted banking partners. Visit our Member Directory to connect with financial institutions that can help you find the right options for your business.
Procurement Opportunities & RFPs
Looking to grow your business through government and institutional partnerships? Procurement opportunities and RFPs from partners like the City of Austin, Travis County, CapMetro, Austin Community College, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport offer pathways to secure contracts, expand your reach, and build long-term revenue. These entities are actively seeking diverse, local vendors across a wide range of industries.
Diversity Ethnic Chamber Alliance (DECA)
The Diversity Ethnic Chamber Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and comprises the Austin LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Through a spirit of collaboration, DECA works to encourage diversity and economic growth within the Greater Austin Region.
Additional Small Business Resources
Certifications
LGBTBE Certification
Certified LGBTBE® companies are routinely sought after by NGLCC Corporate Partners who are looking to increase their spend with the LGBTQ business community through the NGLCC’s internal, proprietary database.
Small and Minority Business Resources
The City of Austin’s Small and Minority Business Resources Department (SMBR) administers the Minority-Owned, Women-Owned, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Procurement Programs for the City of Austin.
City & County Resources
Veteran, Minority & Women-Owned Business Resources (City of Austin)
Veteran, minority and women-owned small businesses in Texas have a major impact on the state’s economy. Texas is home to some of the top cities for Hispanic and minority entrepreneurs, and has frequently been named one of the best states for Black entrepreneurship.
Doing Business with the City of Austin
Learn how to register as a vendor, understand how the bidding process works, use National Institute Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) commodity codes to find the right categories for your business and sign up for Vendor Academy training. Register as a vendor with the City of Austin today!
Incentives & Grants (Austin Economic Development)
Austin Economic Development offers a range of business incentives designed to attract, retain, and support businesses that contribute to the city’s economic growth and community well-being. These incentives aim to foster a thriving business environment, create quality jobs, and stimulate investment in key sectors.
Small Business Division (City of Austin)
The Small Business Division provides business training, educational events, and coaching to empower entrepreneurs. Their mission is to foster job creation and support the growth of new and existing businesses by providing capacity-building information, tools, and resources.
Travis County Historically Underutilized Business
The Travis County HUB program objective is to ensure minority and woman-owned businesses receive fair and equal opportunity to participate in the county’s procurement process. They host business and community webinars and provide resources for historically underutilized businesses.
Travis County Small Business Programs
The Economic & Strategic Planning Division works to support the development and success of entrepreneurs and small businesses in Travis County. These programs include Travis County’s TCTX Thrive 1.0 Small Business Relief Program, ravis County’s TCTX Thrive 2.0 Small Business Relief Program, and Travis County’s TCTX Thrive 3.0 Small Business Relief Program.
State of Texas Resources
Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal
The Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal contains the most relevant resources and contacts to help you find success starting or growing your business in Texas.
State of Texas Financing & Capital for Small Businesses
The Governor’s Office of Small Business Assistance works closely with a variety of partners to facilitate small businesses accessing capital.
Texas Workforce Commission: Outreach and Employer Initiatives
The TWC has a diverse portfolio of programs and services to support the workforce needs of current and prospective Texas businesses.
Starting a Small Business
The City of Austin’s Guide to Starting a Small Business
Starting a small business can be a BIG leap. Austin Economic Development’s Small Business Division aims to curate and connect local entrepreneurs to programs, opportunities, and resources to build or boost small business goals.
The State of Texas’ Guide to Starting a Small Business
The state divided the process of starting a business into seven basic steps. It is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional tax consultant, accountant and/or attorney to help verify that all legal requirements are met before opening up a business.
Launch Your Business (U.S. Small Business Administration)
Turn your business into a reality. Learn about the paperwork and processes you need to take care of before you can start doing business. Your business location determines the taxes, zoning laws, and regulations your business will be subject to.
City of Austin’s BizAid Free Business Orientation Class
BizAid is a free first step that is available at no cost to you. The program introduces small business owners to government and organizational resources available, including foundational knowledge like the components of a business plan and other aspects of business development. This class is required to complete before one-on-one coaching can be accessed.
10 Steps to Start Your Business (U.S. Small Business Administration)
SBA supports small businesses and entrepreneurs at every stage. Our training programs combine practical guidance with real-world experience to help small business owners, service members & military spouses, executives, and businesses looking to grow through government contracting build sustainable, compliant, and competitive organizations.
TXST’s McCoy College of Business: Business Startup 101
Starting a small business in Texas can be daunting. The McCoy College of Business has combined a list of tools to help you succeed in your new venture! Plus on-demand videos of past events. Resources include Business Plan writing, market research, trainings and workshops, plus more.
More Resources
Join the Austin LGBT Chamber
Our membership represents two very targeted and highly sought after markets – the LGBTQ+ community and business professionals. We invite you to tap into the buying power of this desirable market by becoming a member of the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
Connect
Want a better view of this chamber in action? We have you covered! Check out our events calendar and join us for our next event.