Attracting and Creating New Small Businesses for Houston’s Economy
- By Annise Parker
- Published 10/21/2009
- Political
- Unrated
HOUSTON- Houston prides itself on being the business center of the country. One of the qualities that makes Houston so great is its entrepreneurial spirit. We think we can do anything if we get our hearts, minds and feet moving in the right direction.
Even in a recession that’s finally slowing Houston’s momentum, we’re still attracting new business and creating small ones—the mom and pop businesses that grow and drive our great economy. I’m proud to work for a city government that really works for its small business owners and those who want to start a small business, whether full-time or part-time out of the home.
The City of Houston’s One Stop Business Center (www.houstontx.gov/onestop/ or (832)393-0954 partners with SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and Houston Public Library’s C.O.R.E. (Careers, Opportunities, Resources, and Education) Center.
Together, they present a series of programs specially designed for the small business owner or entrepreneur. One call or visit provides you with information on city, county, state and federal regulations affecting your business as well as information about permits, licenses, and fees. You can even call and receive a “Getting Started” packet in the mail.
Free seminars include:
“Business Startup – Starting a Business in Houston”
Thursday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m., McGovern-Stella Link Library, 7405 Stella Link, 832-393-2630.
“Business Planning and Financing for Small Business Owners”
This two-part series covers the basics of creating a business plan in the first session and acquiring financing in the second session. Saturday, Nov. 7, 10:30 a.m., Smith Library, 3624 Scott St. 832-393-2050.
Although One Stop does not lend money to business owners, it can point you to potential lenders. One of those is ACCION Texas, a non-profit organization with 12 offices, including Houston. ACCION lends to qualifying legal business in Texas, and loans are available to those who cannot get loans from commercial sources.
Annise Parker is Houston City Controller. She is currently running for Mayor of Houston.
Even in a recession that’s finally slowing Houston’s momentum, we’re still attracting new business and creating small ones—the mom and pop businesses that grow and drive our great economy. I’m proud to work for a city government that really works for its small business owners and those who want to start a small business, whether full-time or part-time out of the home.
The City of Houston’s One Stop Business Center (www.houstontx.gov/onestop/ or (832)393-0954 partners with SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and Houston Public Library’s C.O.R.E. (Careers, Opportunities, Resources, and Education) Center.
Together, they present a series of programs specially designed for the small business owner or entrepreneur. One call or visit provides you with information on city, county, state and federal regulations affecting your business as well as information about permits, licenses, and fees. You can even call and receive a “Getting Started” packet in the mail.
Free seminars include:
“Business Startup – Starting a Business in Houston”
Thursday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m., McGovern-Stella Link Library, 7405 Stella Link, 832-393-2630.
“Business Planning and Financing for Small Business Owners”
This two-part series covers the basics of creating a business plan in the first session and acquiring financing in the second session. Saturday, Nov. 7, 10:30 a.m., Smith Library, 3624 Scott St. 832-393-2050.
Although One Stop does not lend money to business owners, it can point you to potential lenders. One of those is ACCION Texas, a non-profit organization with 12 offices, including Houston. ACCION lends to qualifying legal business in Texas, and loans are available to those who cannot get loans from commercial sources.
Annise Parker is Houston City Controller. She is currently running for Mayor of Houston.