Small Business Resources
PEDC understands that small businesses are vital to our local economy. In fact, 82% of Pearland businesses are locally owned. And one of the key initiatives in our Pearland Prosperity community strategic plan is to “encourage and support the formation and growth of new businesses.” PEDC is committed to ensuring that all business have the support they need. Below are resources available for small businesses.
LOCAL RESOURCES
Pearland Innovation Hub
The Pearland Innovation Hub is a PEDC initiative designed to connect entrepreneurs and small businesses in Pearland with the necessary resources to thrive and prosper. The Pearland Innovation Hub enhances Pearland’s small business and entrepreneurship culture by creating events, programs activities for business owners to inspire ideation, innovation and entrepreneurship. Local entrepreneurs and small businesses in Pearland can connect with local and regional entrepreneurship assistance programs, service providers and funding sources to maximize their growth potential and overall success. Offerings of the Hub include business plan competitions, proactive coaching, networking events and student programs to encourage entrepreneurship.
Visit Pearland Innovation Hub to learn more and join.
Small Business Development Center
Thinking about starting a small business or want to grow your business? The San Jacinto Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can provide information and resources. The SBDC offers free, private counseling and low-cost workshops that help entrepreneurs start new businesses, grow their existing businesses, and boost productivity and profitability. They can provide guidance on every facet of your business, including applying for loans, writing business plans, creating marketing strategies, developing budgets and much more.
The San Jacinto College Small Business Development Center has office space at The Commerce Center (home of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce). Please call 281-485-5214, email SBDC@sjcd.edu or visit SJC SBDC for more information.
City of Pearland
The City of Pearland works to support small businesses as they venture into the development process. Whether you are a small business owner looking to relocate to Pearland; to build, renovate, or expand a space for your current business; or interested in starting a new business, we encourage you to take advantage of the provided resources to navigate this process. Please visit the City’s Development Services page for more information and helpful links in codes, fees, jurisdictions, and other development resources.
The City offers an online development tool to assist with the permitting process. Click here to visit the Pearland Permitting Portal powered by OpenCounter.
If you need guidance on the overall development process or are not sure where to begin, contact the City’s Development Services Manager at 281.652.1742. In addition, you can visit the Community Development department, located in the City Hall annex at 3519 Liberty Drive, Pearland, Texas 77581.
Workforce Solutions – Pearland
Workforce Solutions, an affiliate of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, assists employers with understanding the local labor market and attracting and retaining talent. With an in-depth understanding of the local labor pool and regional opportunities, Workforce Solutions can provide the resources, intelligence and tools you need to navigate the local market and build your workforce. Services provided include recruiting, screening, testing and training for potential hires., along with industry specific guidance, HR consulting and training opportunities.
Contact information for the Pearland office is below:
Workforce Solutions
5730 W. Broadway Ste 122
Pearland, Texas 77581
832-409-0049
Workforce Solutions – Pearland Office
STATE RESOURCES
Office of Small Business Assistance, Texas Economic Development and Tourism
The Office of Small Business Assistance has launched the Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal. The portal will help both aspiring entrepreneurs and an established business owners with the most relevant resources and contacts to help find success. The poral offers a customized list of useful business resources to assist in starting or growing a business in Texas. Types of information in the portal include: Federal, State and Local Resources; Business Advice and Growth Assistance; Funding Sources; and Additional Specific Resources.
Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal
Texas Business Licenses and Permits Guide
Many specific business activities require permits or licenses. To determine which state-level business license or permit is required for your business activity, please see the Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide. It is also important to ensure that all permitting requirements are also met at the local level. You can find out about these requirements by contacting your local county and city government.
2022 Texas Business Licenses and Permits Guide
REGIONAL RESOURCES
U.S. Small Business Administration – Houston District Office
The Houston office of the Small Business Administration provides resources to plan, launch, manage and grow your business. Their website contains a variety of resources including a 10-step guide to starting your business.
www.sba.gov/offices/district/tx/houston
University of Houston Procurement Technical Assistance Center (UH PTAC)
The UT PHAC offers no-cost education and guidance to individuals interested in selling their products and services to Federal, State, and Local Government. Visit their website to register for their vendor list, research agencies and respond to opportunities.
University of Houston Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance (WBEA)
WBEA provides education, programs, and professional networking to increase business opportunities for women-owned businesses.
http://wbea-texas.org/about-wbea
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is an investment to help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing greater access to education, capital and business support services.
https://www.goldmansachs.com/citizenship/10000-small-businesses/US/
BakerRipley Entrepreneur Connection
BakerRipley’s Entrepreneur Connection serves entrepreneurs from all over the greater Houston area by providing resources, education, and connection to capital to help entrepreneurs start or expand a business.
https://www.bakerripley.org/services/entrepreneur-connection
ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
LiftFund
LiftFund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides small business lending to those who do not have access to capital from typical lenders, such as traditional banks. Along with vital small business loans, LiftFund provides educational services at no cost to borrowers, which are essential to foster self-sufficiency.
GCEDD Business Loan Fund
The Business Loan Fund is administered by the Houston-Galveston Area Local Development Corporation and helps finance new or expanding small businesses when traditional funding isn’t available or isn’t enough.
http://www.h-gac.com/gulf-coast-economic-development-district/business-loan-fund.aspx
TWC Skills for Small Business
Through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Skills for Small Business program, up to $2 million from the Skills Development Fund is dedicated to small employers. Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees can apply to TWC for training offered by their local community or technical college, or the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).
https://www.twc.texas.gov/businesses/skills-small-business-employers