Browse Library

Browse these tools and templates, then contact a SCORE mentor to get help putting your ideas into action.

Browse our resource library but we suggest you pursue a mentor-guided instead of a self-service approach. We have many examples where the client, through discussion with a mentor, completely changes the “game plan”.

Creating a Business

The Start-Up Checklist
Important Phone Numbers and Contact Information

Legal

How to select the correct legal structure
Business Legal Structure Forms (Texas) - LLC, Corporation, Limited Partnership
Find a Lawyer
Online Legal Forms: Nolo and Legal Zoom
Legal issues affecting small business
Patents and Trademark
More Than One Owner
- Co-Owner Legal Considerations
- Co-Owner Agreement Legal Checklist
Franchising
- Buying a Franchise? Do proper due diligence!
- Franchising - Complete Guide

Accounting

Find a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Resource Partners

Houston Business Development, Inc.(alternate lender)
Houston Business Solutions Center (information on permits, licenses, etc.)
Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (Small Business Certification, Networking)
Small Business Development Center
Executive Service Corps of Houston (ESCH) - (For Non-profits)
SCORE (get help from SCORE mentors nationwide)
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Women's Business Council - Southwest - (Certification for women's business enterprise)
Women's Business Enterpise Alliance

Taxes

Taxation as an S Corporation
Federal Taxes
Texas Franchise Tax
Sales and Use Taxes

Insurance

Determine Your Insurance Needs
Find an independent Insurance Agent

Video Mentoring

Client: Request video mentoring set up time then click here at the appointed time.
Mentor: Set up video mentoring

Business Plan

Simplified Business Plan Template, 12-month Cash Flow Forecast, Startup Costs and Startup Financing
Cash Flow Projection Model
P&L Statements 1year, 3years
Opening Day Balance Sheet
Read Sample Business Plans
Simple Steps Guides: Growing Your Business, Starting Your Business, SBA Resource Guide
Typical costs and ratios for your business

Marketing

Summary Marketing Plan Worksheets
Develop Marketing Message
Get Found Online - (Multiple services to help on all search engines)
How to differentiate your business on Social Media
Demographic Information: Census Bureau
GHP Houston's Economy

Financing

Financing Your Small Business or Start-Up
SBA Resource Guide for Small Business - Houston
Houston Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (List of financial institutions that accept SBA loan guarantees)
SBA Loan Programs
What information do most banks ask for when you:
- Start a new business
- Buy an existing business
- Expand/Restructure
Certified Development Corporation Loan Program (see SBA Resource Guide for description)
Loans From People You Know
Loan Amortization Schedule
Micro Lenders: Houston Business Development, Inc.(HBDI), Lift Fund, People Fund

Government Contracting

PTAC (Assistance on Government Contracting and Procurement Procedures
Federal Contractor Registration (Search for federal government contracts and SAM registration)
System of Awards Management (SAM)

Buying - Selling a Business

Buying a Business - Complete Guide
Buying Business – Checklist
Selling Your Business
A Method for Valuing Small to Midsize Businesses
Buying a Small to Midsize Existing Business
Is it Time to Sell Your Business?
Find a Business Broker National or in Texas

Exporting

Export Assistance Resources
Export Trade Leads - Governmental
GHP Export Resources

Emergency Preparedness

The resources to help you develop a Disaster Preparedness plan

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