I want to start a business!

Have you dreamed of owning and operating your own business but don’t know where to start?  Do you have questions on how to turn your dream into a reality?  The University of Houston Small Business Development Center can help answer key questions – the questions that every entrepreneur needs to ask before starting a new venture. 

Some of the services we provide to help you get started include:

• Workshops & seminars for entrepreneurs on start-up, marketing, business plans, software applications, and more 
• Business reference library for industry and market research
• Funding solutions
• Business loan packaging – eligibility, understanding the process and proposal preparation assistance
• Help buying an existing business or franchise
• Access to professional service providers such as attorneys and CPAs
• Free, confidential and individualized one-on-one consulting  

Before You Start – assess your entrepreneurial readiness. 

Owning, operating and growing a successful business is challenging.  Before you get started you need to assess your motives, your strengths and your weaknesses.  You also need to take a hard look at your personal, managerial, technical and financial qualifications.  To see if you’re prepared, please take our Business Readiness Assessment. 

The First Step – find out if you have what it takes. 

Now, before you invest your time and your money,click here to view our Do You Have What It Takes to Start a Business? FREE, online streaming video.  You will learn a solid Six Point Process for starting a business.  You’ll learn the importance of proper planning and how to avoid common pitfalls.  Viewing the video will take about 45 minutes.  

Also take our other business start-up workshops covering topics that include market research and marketing concepts, forecasting, business structure, and business plan development.

• Click here to view all of the upcoming University of Houston Small Business Development Center workshops and seminars offered for free or at low-cost.
• Click here to view all available online workshops and seminars.

The Next Step – take advantage of our free, confidential consulting.   

Once you’ve taken our recommended workshops on getting started and have at least a good draft of a solid business plan, it’s time to take advantage of our free, confidential consulting services.  Click here  to request an appointment with a consultant to discuss your new business venture.  A consultant will contact you within 3-5 business days.

Find Your Local Small Business Development Center in the SBDC Network

For the nearest Small Business Development Center Network location, click here.