Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Bryan is the best place in the Brazos Valley to start a business. Period.
The City of Bryan is a city of small businesses and entrepreneurs. We are passionate about small businesses and we understand that the success of small businesses requires support and access to resources. This is most evident by our representative City Council both past and present.
So, don’t think of us as “government.” Think of us as your neighbor, your facilitator, your community connection, and your biggest fans. We are here to help you succeed and we are at your service.
Guide to Opening a Business in Bryan
Here are some basic steps and items to consider:
- Guide to Opening a Business in Bryan (PDF)
- Secure a copy of “Application for Employers Identification Number” (Form SS-4) from the Internal Revenue Service – 800.829.4933.
- If a business is to be operated under an assumed name, the name under which it proposes to operate should be filed with the Brazos County Clerk. Prior to filing the assumed name, contact the office of County Clerk to see if any other business is presently operating under the name. Brazos County Clerk’s Office – 979.361.4128.
- For corporate certificates and all information pertaining to filing of articles of incorporation or authority of foreign corporations to do business in Texas, contact the Texas Secretary of State at 512.463.5770.
- Owners and managers of new businesses in Bryan, Texas should contact the Comptroller Office of the State of Texas for information on Sales Taxes, Store Taxes and other laws administered by this office. Texas State Comptroller’s Office – 800.252.5555. Check with the State to determine if any statewide permits or licenses are required. Texas Department of Economic Development – 800.888.0511.
- Information about licenses and fees pertaining to the sale, transportation or storage of alcoholic beverages can be obtained from the Liquor Control Board. Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission – 512.451.0231.
- Firms involved in the handling, processing, packaging and warehousing of foods must have Health Permits, which are issued for Bryan by the Brazos County Health Department.
Brazos County Health Department – 979.361.4440. - The Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to maintain records on wages, hours and other items. Employers having workers subject to minimum wage provisions must display certain posters where employees can readily see them. Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor – 512.916.5638.
- Obtain information from the Texas Employment Commission regarding the collection of unemployment insurance, tax, and benefits to qualifying employees. Texas Workforce Commission, Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley – 979.595.2800.
- Obtain information from Bureau of Labor Statistics on laws that relate to employers and safety. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation – 512.463.6599 or 800.803.9202.
- Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy “CO” is issued by the City of Bryan’s Building Permits and Inspections Department located at 300 South Texas Avenue on the first floor. A “CO” is issued for all new, remodeled or renovated construction and changes of ownership. This “CO” allows the property to be legally occupied for the approved use. The Chief Building Official must sign the “CO” before it is valid. City of Bryan Permits and Inspection Department – 979.209.5030.
- Information concerning import and export procedures can be obtained from the International Trade Division of the Department of Commerce or the Research Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – 979.260.5222.
- Information about various management, procurement and loan programs to assist small businesses may be obtained by contacting the SBDC – 979.260.5222 .
- Area Wage Survey Information is available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Information concerning environmental control requirements can be obtained from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). TCEQ – 512.239.1000 / Environmental Protection Agency – 214.665.6444.
Sources: Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Center, City of Bryan Economic Development
Other Helpful Resources
Research Valley Small Business Development Center
Small Business Development Centers provide free business consulting and affordable training seminars to small and medium-sized business owners and managers. Consultants are available to help businesses develop strategies, attract customers, increase sales and improve productivity and profitability.
- 4001 E. 29th Street, Suite 175
Phone: (979) 260-5222
Brazos Valley Financial Fitness Center
With help from volunteer financial professionals, individuals and families are taught how to develop healthy financial habits, build or increase savings, acquire assets, and plan for the future.
Brazos Valley Community Loan Center
The CLC was created to provide a sustainable alternative to high-cost, short-term consumer loans offered by private lenders. Under a grant from JPMorgan Chase, personal loans of up to $1,000 are offered to the employees of participating businesses.
Research Valley Innovation Center RVIC
The Research Valley Innovation Center (RVIC) is a nonprofit 501c(3) corporation formed by The Research Valley Partnership, Inc. (RVP) for the advancement of science, education, entrepreneurship and innovation. The RVIC works in collaboration with Texas A&M University System components headquartered in Brazos County, Texas, the Bryan-College Station community, and private industry.
Skills for Small Business
Through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), up to $2 million is dedicated to small businesses with fewer than 100 employees for training offered through either a local community or technical college, or the Texas Engineering Extension Service. TWC manages the college application process to fund specific courses selected by the businesses to train new workers and upgrade the skills of incumbent workers.
Startup Aggieland
Startup Aggieland is a student-designed business incubator, accelerator and co-working space. We help qualified student-owned startups leverage Texas A&M University resources and private support without relinquishing equity ownership in their companies.
Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center
Hosted at TEEX, TMAC offers manufacturers extensive opportunities to advance business profitability in skills training, business process analysis and practices to boost productivity, regulation-required training, supply chain development and strengthening, and product innovation.
Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley
Brazos Valley businesses are eligible to receive a variety of specialized services including: job posting databases; skills matching assistance for employees; skill level evaluation for job seekers; labor market information for employers; tax credit application assistance; job fairs; and post-layoff rapid response services.