State and Local Resources
Austin-Area Chambers of Commerce (http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/piccintr.htm)
"A listing of local chambers of commerce. All numbers are in the Austin '512' area code."
Austin SCORE® - Service Corps of Retired Executives (http://www.scoreaustin.org/) "Counselors to America's Small Business."
Texas Economic Development Council (http://www.texasedc.org/)
Events, news, legislative issues, educational opportunities, and membership, with information on staff and employment.
— State Business Services —
There is some overlap among the various state offices offering assistance and information to business, small businesses and entrepreneur. Briefly, these are:
- Texas Business Advisor (http://www.cpa.state.tx.us/tba/)
"The Business Advisor is our attempt to provide helpful information by opening a 'one-stop shop,' for your convenience in learning how to start a business in Texas." - Texas Wide Open for Business (http://www.business.texasonline.com/guide/index.jsp)
"This site will walk you through each of [the four primary] steps [to starting a business], giving you the tools, information, and confidence you need to begin offering your products and services to citizens and organizations within the state." - Texas Secretary of State (http://www.sos.state.tx.us/)
Provides links to business organizations and forms and a business opportunity search.
Austin Community College Center for Community-Based & Nonprofit Organizations (http://www.nonprofitaustin.org/)
"This organization assists community-based and nonprofit organizations to be more effective by helping strengthen their staff, volunteer, and organizational capacity."
Greenlights for Nonprofit Success (http://www.greenlights.org/)
"Greenlights for Nonprofit Success strengthens Central Texas nonprofits through consulting, education, networking, and resources." The Resource Library provides online documents on planning and starting a new nonprofit, board development, fundraising, etc.