Small Business & Entrepreneurs

State Financial Resources

Never Alone in the Lone Star State

Texas’ tax policies, predictable regulatory climate and skilled talent availability has earned the state the title of best business climate in the nation. Additional support resources for venture capital and funding are provided to the 2.8 million small businesses that call Texas home. 

Angel investor networks throughout Texas provide equity investment to entrepreneurs to help fund start-ups and young businesses. The Alliance of Texas Angel Networks has invested over $200,000,000 to start-ups in the state over the last 10 years. Various state and federal grants are also available to small business owners to help incentivize training for new, full-time workers, upgrade the skills of existing full-time workers, and provide overall financial support.

Minority Business Owner Resources

A Diverse and Thriving Community

In 2020, there were 710,215 minority business owners in Texas, and the state has consistently been recognized as #1 for jobs created by African American, Hispanic and Veteran women business owners. In addition to support provided on a state and federal level, minority business owners in Abilene can benefit from community-based organizations like local chambers of commerce. For over 40 years, members of the Abilene Black Chamber of Commerce have benefitted from the chamber’s networking, scholarship, and job training resources, among other services and initiatives. Similarly, the Abilene Hispanic Business Council works to facilitate the advancement and participation of Hispanic businesses by promoting education, training, advocacy and networking.