Office of Business Opportunity
Small Business Services
The OBOSC welcomes walk-in patrons! Come by for information on city, county, state and federal regulations that pertain to your business.
Business advisors and staff at the University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network are working hard to support small business owners who are facing unprecedented and steep challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our commitment is to share the most timely information, processes and resources available. Another $15 billion would fun new federal grants for a million small businesses, while $35 billion would be set aside for low-interest loans and venture capital for entrepreneurs.
The City of Houston is pleased to again partner with Vinson & Elkins (V&E) pro bono counsel to provide small business the opportunity to schedule a 1-on-1 Skype session with a licensed attorney to answer legal questions they may have about their business. Topics covered include corporate structure, employment and labor, tax and intellectual property. These skype sessions will take place at the Virtual Legal Lab housed in the Office of Business Opportunity located at 611 Walker, 7th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002. For more information please go to https://www.houstontx.gov/obo/legalresources.html
- The SURE Program at the C. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston was formed to empower aspiring local entrepreneurs from underserved communities in the Houston area by providing access to financial education, services and capital investment.
- Outreach and educational services to veteran entrepreneurs and small business owners occur in collaboration with VEP business resource partners: the Small Business Administration (SBA), Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the SBA), the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC.
Seminars and Workshops
OBOSC conducts an informative series of 'Starting a Small Business' seminars at local libraries, multi-service centers, schools, and the Houston Permitting Center. For an updated schedule of upcoming seminars and workshops please visits the workshops and calendar of events page or call the OBOSC at 832.393.0954.
SCORE Counseling
The OBOSC provides no-cost one-on-one business counseling for new and first stage businesses. SCORE Business Advisors will cover topics such as, business planning, management strategies, financing options, and other topics of importance to your business. Please call 832.393.0954 for an appointment with our experienced SCORE business advisors who can help steer your business on the path to success.
LiftFund
The Office of Business Opportunity and LiftFund have joined forces to help Houston area small businesses gain access to needed capital. Small businesses can schedule a one on one appointment with a LiftFund representative at the Office of Business Opportunity Solutions Center (611 Walker Lobby Level, Houston, Texas 77002). Appointments are free of charge and have no obligation. Call 832.393.0954 and schedule an appointment today!
LiftFund’s mission is to provide credit and services to small businesses and entrepreneurs who do not have access to loans from commercial sources, and to provide leadership and innovation to the micro lending industry. LiftFund offers loans between $500 to $250,000 to start ups and established businesses. Visit LiftFund's website to learn more.
COVID-19 Assistance
Business advisors and staff at the University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network are working hard to support small business owners who are facing unprecedented and steep challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our commitment is to share the most timely information, processes and resources available.
COVID-19 Loan Updates
Guide to small business COVID-19 emergency loans. What small businesses need to know about the new changes to PPP, EIDL and more.
Virtual Advising
The UH SBDC Network offers confidential, one-on-one, no cost, professional virtual business advising services to small business entrepreneurs.
Business Specialists
Meet with a Virtual Business Specialist for a free, one-on-one session in business management, marketing, finance, sales, retail, hospitality and more.
Houston Small Business Guideideas And Info For Entrepreneurs Students
Free Business Webinars
Watch our library of free webinars, taught by industry experts to help you start and grow your small business. Get tips and soulutions to naviagte COVID-19.
SBA COVID-19 Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers multiple funding options to those currently seeking relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Grants
Small business owners impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic can apply to these grants and emergency disaster assistance programs.
COVID-19 Business Tips
Stay up-to-date on all things small business and more. Get top business recommendations, tips and resources on navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.
Houston Small Business Guideideas And Info For Entrepreneurship
Guidance for Businesses
The SBA provides recommended strategies to support and protect businesses and employees throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.
Government Contracting
The UH Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) offers a comprehensive advising program to help businesses compete for government contracts.
Workplace Safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has resources to assist employers manage COVID-19 related issues and more.
Disaster Preparedness
FEMA offers disaster preparedness checklists and guides to support business owners, as well as a Social Media Toolkit with preparedness messages.
Multi-language Info
The SBA provides recovery resources for small business owners in multiple languages. Recovery information available in Spanish, Chinese and more.
IRS Resources
The IRS offers tax assistance for business owners impacted by COVID-19. Many businesses severely impacted will qualify for new employer tax credits.
CDC Website
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers extensive information regarding the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Texas Workforce
Houston Small Business Guideideas And Info For Entrepreneurs Business
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) provides information for employers, job-seekers, self-employed, and unemployed individuals impacted by COVID-19.
Houston Small Business Guideideas And Info For Entrepreneurs Association