Small Business Resources
Explore Resources to Help Your Business Grow
We’ve curated valuable resources to support the growth and success of small businesses. From funding opportunities to AI workshops, these resources can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
**These resources are currently being updated.**
Filter Panel
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Collaboration with a Class
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Consulting/Advising
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Educational/Workshops/Trainings
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Farms & Ranches
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General
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Hiring/Internship
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Resilience
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Incubator
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Supplier Opportunities
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Technology/Innovation/Commercialization
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Translation
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Grants
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Loans
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Investment Programs
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Accelerators & Incubators
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Business Planning
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Business Growth
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Coaching/Mentorship
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Accounting/Finance
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Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
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Project Management/Conference Calls
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Marketing (Tools for digital marketing, SEO, email marketing, and social media management)
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Productivity (Tools for enhancing productivity and organization (e.g., to-do lists, note-taking apps))
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Branded Merchandise
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Digital Materials
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Outdoor Advertising
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Print Materials
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Recruitment
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Internships
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Training & Other Resources
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Adobe
Adobe Express is a cloud-based design and content creation platform that offers three subscription tiers: Free, Premium, and Teams. Each tier provides varying levels of features, assets, and generative AI credits, catering to individuals and teams with different needs.
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AlphaLab
AlphaLab propels early-stage startups to success with a $100K investment and comprehensive six-month program, offering ongoing support, including workspace, networking opportunities, and potential follow-on funding after graduating.
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Amber Grant
WomensNet giving away at least $30,000 every month in Amber Grant money. In recognition of the diversity of businesses owned by women.
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AngelPad
AngelPad, a top-ranked US accelerator, boasts over $5B in portfolio investments and selects 15 startups every six months from a highly competitive pool of 2k applicants. Participants receive $120k investments, cloud credits, and mentorship during the three-month program.
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AnyPromo
AnyPromo simplifies the promotional product process by offering a vast selection, rapid production, exceptional customer service, and guarantees, ensuring customer satisfaction with every order.
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Betaworks
Betaworks Camp is a 13-week accelerator providing early-stage startups with intensive product development, platform strategy, and fundraising support through deep dives into specific tech themes.
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Blue Startups
Blue Startups is a 13-week (6 weeks virtual) intensive mentor-driven accelerator focused on capital-efficient, scalable tech companies in software, travel tech, and sustainability, emphasizing lean product development, go-to-market strategies, and leveraging our worldwide network, requiring at least 5 hours daily on-site work.
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Blueprint Health (New York)
Blueprint Health provides intensive, three-month support for healthcare startups to achieve key business milestones, offering ongoing mentorship and community resources for long-term growth.
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BoxUp | Custom-Printed Boxes
BoxUp offers durable, customizable corrugated mailers perfect for elevating your brand and streamlining shipping for small businesses, subscription boxes, and e-commerce stores.
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Business Growth | Market Day
An event to highlight local vendors that may provide food, jewelry, clothing, and more.
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Canva
Canva is a free online design tool that helps small businesses create professional graphics quickly and easily.
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Capital Factory (Texas)
Capital Factory offers Texas-based startups a comprehensive accelerator program with access to a vast network, resources, and mentorship. In exchange for equity and potential follow-on investment, startups gain invaluable support to accelerate growth and achieve success.
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Career Services (Career events and fairs)
Attend a career fair to meet TXST students and alumni.
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Career Services (Micro-internships)
Do you have project-based work that can be done from anywhere? Consider being an employer through the Parker Dewey Program with TXST.
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Career Services (Student hiring/internships)
TXST Career Services offers an array of opportunities for businesses to engage with students.
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Center For Analytics and Data Science | Hiring; Internship; Consulting
Assistance with data analytics, AI, and related data and technology issues.
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Center For Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE)
The CIE is the hub of the campus entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. If you are unsure where to go for access to TXST resources, this is a good place to begin.
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Center for Professional Sales | Hiring; Internship
The Center for Professional Sales prepares students for careers in selling, facilitates internships, and helps provide career placement for students.
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Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation supports disaster relief and preparedness globally by providing immediate aid and building community resilience through funding and supply prepositioning.
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Conference Room/Event Facilities
Facilities that can be reserved for events of various sizes and types.
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Custom Magnet Direct
Custom Magnets Direct is a leading US manufacturer offering high-quality, custom-shaped magnets with vibrant printing and free design assistance to help businesses and individuals create impactful promotional materials.
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The DEC Network
The DEC Network Mentorship Program connects entrepreneurs with experienced mentors to provide guidance, avoid pitfalls, and accelerate business growth through the power of volunteerism.
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Disney Accelerator
Building on Walt Disney's legacy of innovation and storytelling, the Disney Accelerator provides select companies access to Disney's creative expertise and resources to develop groundbreaking entertainment experiences and products.
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Division of Research
The Division of Research offers access to expertise, collaboration best practices, technology licenses, new venture creation, and other resources.
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Dreamit
Dreamit Ventures accelerates cybersecurity, anti-fraud, risk, and physical security startups, connecting founders with Fortune 1000 companies, government agencies, and industry leaders for piloting and partnerships.
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Endless Frontier Labs (EFL)
The Endless Frontier Labs (EFL) accelerates the success of early-stage science and technology based startups through a goals-oriented mentorship program.
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Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator (New York)
Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator (ERA) provides early-stage startups with $150K in funding and unparalleled access to a network of experienced mentors and operating partners to accelerate growth and overcome challenges.
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Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
1 Million Cups fosters entrepreneurship by providing a weekly platform for connection, knowledge sharing, and community building.
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Extreme Accelerator
Extreme Ventures invests in early-stage international startups relocating to Canada with proven market fit, offering lead and co-investments, co-working space, network access, and Startup Visa sponsorship.
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Fantastapack
Fantastapack revolutionized the packaging industry by offering small businesses and startups access to high-quality, custom packaging with short lead times and low minimum order quantities through its innovative web-to-pack platform.
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Fintech Innovation Lab
FinTech Innovation Lab is a global program accelerating early to growth-stage fintech startups through mentorship and collaboration with top financial institutions.
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Forum Ventures
Forum Ventures is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in early-stage B2B SaaS (Software as a Service) startups. They provide funding, mentorship, and a strong network of resources to help these young companies grow and succeed.
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Founder Friendly Labs
Founder Friendly Labs is an equity-free accelerator supporting experienced professionals with mentorship, cloud credits, and a low-commitment model to help launch successful startups.
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Founders Embassy
Focused on radical inclusiveness, we are a zero-equity tuition-based accelerator supporting international and immigrant entrepreneurs, helping them secure substantial funding rounds by fostering diverse teams to tackle global challenges.
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Free Conference Call
Their mission is to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to world-class audio and video communications for free. With their unique Pay What You Can pricing model, they empower charities, volunteers, and students globally to stay connected without barriers.
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Frost Bank
Frost Bank provides tailored financial solutions and dedicated support to help businesses thrive, offering flexible loan options like lines of credit and term loans to meet diverse needs.
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gener8or
gener8tor is a leading platform driving innovation through investment, acceleration, and skills development. We offer a range of programs, from equity-based accelerators with $100K investments to free coaching and workshops, empowering startups, individuals, and corporations to thrive.
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Google for Startups
Google for Startups offers specialized programs supporting diverse founders and industries, providing equity-free support, mentorship, and Google product credits.
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GotPrint
GotPrint was founded in 2001 in Toluca Lake, California, and has since grown into a leading provider of fast, economical, and convenient printing services.
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GovLoans
List of Government loans include Equity investment, industrial, fisheries finance, interst subsidy program for tribes, certified development company loan, microloan, 7(a) small business loan, economic disater loans, business physical disaster loans, and military reservist economic injury disaster loan.
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Hax
HAX accelerates hardware startups with a $250K investment and intensive six-month program. Gain access to manufacturing expertise, industry connections, and continued investment opportunities through HAX.
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Hiring; Internship
Post a job or internship opportunity for students and alumni.
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hp Life
Empower your career with HP LIFE, a free online platform offering in-demand business skills training. Learn marketing, finance, digital business, and more at your own pace and earn valuable certifications to boost your professional development.
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HubSpot
HubSpot Marketing Hub offers two tiers: Starter and Professional. The Starter plan is free for up to 5 users and includes basic marketing, sales, service, content, operations, and commerce tools. It's ideal for small businesses looking to generate and nurture leads.
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ICA
Their 12-week accelerator provides coaching, networking, and investment opportunities to help startups scale, build teams, and prepare for funding rounds with a 2% deferred equity.
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iContact
iContact offers a drag-and-drop email marketing platform with pre-designed templates, landing pages, and automations, starting at $9/month.
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Incubator
A 58-acre site that hosts STAR One, Texas State’s first technology incubator dedicated to research and commercialization efforts.
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IndieBio
IndieBio accelerates early-stage biotech startups with a $200K cash investment and access to a robust network. Through a competitive 20-week program, IndieBio provides startups with funding, mentorship, and potential follow-on investment.
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Job Shadowing
Allow a current TXST student to engage with you and your company with a one-day job shadowing opportunity.
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LiftFund
LiftFund fuels the growth of women, minority, and startup businesses in Austin and across Texas with accessible loans and dedicated support.
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Maestro Entrepreneur Center
The Maestro Entrepreneur Center provides resources, training, and support to help entrepreneurs grow and succeed in their businesses.
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The Magnet Guys
The Magnet Guys is a family-owned business that offers high-quality, custom-made magnets at competitive prices with a focus on customer satisfaction and fast turnaround times.
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Magnets USA
Magnets USA, a family-owned business based in Virginia, offers high-quality, custom magnetic products, including industry-leading calendars and sports schedules, designed to provide long-lasting brand exposure at affordable prices.
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Magnets.com
Magnets.com offers a wide variety of custom magnets in all shapes and sizes to fit any business's needs, from car magnets for brand awareness to refrigerator magnets for non-profits. Their design team helps create the perfect magnet with free services and you only pay after approval.
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Mailchimp
Mailchimp is a popular email marketing platform that offers a free plan for small businesses, offering 12,000 free sends monthly. Try their Standard plan for 1-month free and cancel or downgrade to their Essentials or basic Free plans anytime.
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Maine Technology Institute
Maine Technology Institute has supported Maine-based startups, fostering growth in diverse sectors like biotechnology, manufacturing, and food production. MTI provides funding, guidance, and resources to help innovators accelerate their progress to market, attract additional investment, and contribute to Maine's economic vitality.
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MarcoPromos
MARCO offers a wide range of customizable writing instruments, from budget-friendly options to executive gifts, providing businesses with effective promotional tools and expert support.
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MassChallenge
MassChallenge is a nonprofit that empowers high-impact startups from diverse backgrounds to grow through equity-free programs, mentorship, and corporate partnerships.
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McCoy College of Business Student Success Center
Engage with students majoring in business through various activities and opportunities.
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Merge Lane
Merge Lane offers a 12-week virtual accelerator program investing in high-potential startups with at least one female leader, providing mentoring, coaching, and curriculum to support growth.
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Microsoft
Microsoft Teams keeps your team connected with powerful tools to collaborate, plan, and innovate together. Whether you're looking for unlimited meetings, secure file sharing, or the full suite of Microsoft 365 apps, Teams offers flexible solutions starting from just $4 per user per month.
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MuckerLab
MuckerLab is a hands-on accelerator offering year-long, customized support to a limited number of startups, helping them achieve product-market fit and secure significant funding.
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NexCubed
Their four-month accelerator offers hands-on support, mentorship, networking, and funding to help startups achieve tangible growth and access new markets.
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NFX
NFX is a well-known venture capital firm that specializes in investing in early-stage startups. They offer both funding and valuable resources to help these companies grow and succeed.
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noissue
noissue empowers makers, brands, and businesses to create custom, sustainable packaging with ease through its user-friendly platform and low minimum order quantities.
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Online Resources & Workshops
Free, on-demand workshops and online resources covering an array of topics.
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OnlineLabels
Free Nutrition Label Generator.
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OnlineLabels
Free Barcode Generator.
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Pens.com
National Pen Company offers free sample pens, keychains, and tote bags to businesses considering bulk orders, requiring a phone call to request samples.
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PeopleFund
PeopleFund empowers underserved individuals and communities by providing access to capital, education, and resources to build thriving businesses.
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Plug and Play
Plug and Play Tech Center offers a year-round accelerator program providing startups with funding, mentorship, and extensive networking opportunities.
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Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Chicago)
The New Venture Challenge, a top-ranked accelerator since 1996, has launched successful startups like Grubhub and Venmo, providing a platform for innovative ideas to become thriving businesses.
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Procurement & Strategic Sourcing (TXST supplier opportunities)
Do business as a supplier with Texas State University.
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Really Useful Information Company (TRUiC)
TRUiC offers a suite of entrepreneurial tools and resources to support business owners at all stages, focusing on accessibility, value, and practical application.
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Service Learning | Collaboration with a Class
Service learning is an experiential learning approach in which students apply materials relevant to their coursework and degree program in service-based projects, with community partners, and critically reflect on the service activity. The Service-Learning Excellence program works with faculty, programs, and community partners to develop more service-learning opportunities for students across campus.
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Slack
Slack offers four plans: Free, Pro, Business+, and Enterprise Grid. The Free plan is ideal for small teams and includes basic features like message history, app integrations, and 1:1 meeting.
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Small Business Fair | Hiring; Internship; Showcase New Products or Services
In-person fair in McCoy College of Business; limit of 15 businesses per day: April 9 & 10. Contact Dr. Terrance McClain for questions (tjm80@txstate.edu).
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Small Producer's Initiative (SPI) | Farms & Ranch
While SPI's focus is small and mid-sized producers, the program provides outreach, training, and extension for farms and ranches of any size, production method, organization, etc.
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Square
Square is a versatile business platform that empowers businesses to streamline operations, accept payments, and expand their reach.
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Staples
Business cards are essential for networking and marketing, providing a convenient way to share contact information and promote businesses.
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STAR Park (STAR: Science, Technology, & Advanced Research)
The Science, Technology, and Advanced Research (STAR) Park is a 58-acre site that hosts STAR One, Texas State’s first technology incubator dedicated to research and commercialization efforts.
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Support Latino Business (SLB)
SLB Impact Fund focused on providing financial and resource support to business owners in our community and across the country.
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Texas Workforce Commission
Find employees, partner with local ED organizations, and research labor market information.
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Tory Burch Foundation
Empowers women entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, education, and community.
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Translation | Department of World Languages & Literatures in collaboration with THRC
Professional translators offer English/Spanish translations.
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Translational Health Research Center (THRC) (Business Resilience)
THRC offers a collection of resources to help communities and small businesses enhance their resilience through planning, adapting, and recovering.
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TXST Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Free, confidential business advising on many issues related to business startup, management, and growth.
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TXST's HUB Program (Supplier opportunities; HUB)
Information for historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) interested in doing business as a supplier with TXST.
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U.S. Department of Labor | Employment and Training Administration
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) provides vital support to small business owners by offering job training programs, public employment services, and unemployment insurance benefits through state and local workforce development systems.
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United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Resources to support business growth through business matchmaking and networking (with membership).
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UPrinting
UPrinting, a leading e-commerce printing company founded in 2005, offers high-quality printing services for businesses of all sizes, ensuring exceptional results from design to delivery.
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VistaPrint
VistaPrint offers free business sample packs, expert design services, and corporate pricing on a wide range of marketing materials to help businesses elevate their brand and save money.
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XRC Ventures
XRC's Accelerator Fund invests in pre-Seed retail tech, consumer goods, and consumer and the Healthtech startups, while Opportunity Fund supports post-Seed to Series A companies in the next gen of retail tech and consumer goods.
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ZEUS Data Science Certificate
The Texas State University System offers a course on data science. Data science is a valuable skill that can be used to help businesses as they grow.
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Zoho
This accounting solution is completely free for businesses that earn less than $50,000 per year. This offer is limited to one user and one accountant. If your business needs more users or additional features, you may need to upgrade to a paid plan.