Great State of Texas Trade and Business Resources
Governmental Resources
- Texas Economic Development Corporation: The official economic development portal for the state of Texas, offering resources and support for businesses looking to export or expand internationally. Consistently ranked as one of the best states for business, Texas tops the charts as a global economic powerhouse.
- Texas Economic Development & Tourism: EDT works side-by-side with the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC) to market and promote Texas nationally and internationally as the best place for businesses to locate and expand. Check out the Trade and Export Page as a great resource.
- Texas Secretary of State – International Business: Provides information on international trade and resources for businesses. Whether you are filing a business, wish to learn more about voting, or need assistance with another service, the Texas Secretary of State is here to serve you.
- Texas Department of Agriculture: International Marketing: Offers assistance to Texas agricultural businesses in exporting their products. TDA’s mission is to partner with all Texans to make Texas the nation’s leader in agriculture, fortify our economy, empower rural communities, promote healthy lifestyles, and cultivate winning strategies for rural, suburban and urban Texas through exceptional service and the common threads of agriculture in our daily lives.
- U.S. Commercial Service – Texas: Part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, they help Texas businesses export and expand internationally. Our global network of experienced trade professionals is located throughout the United States and in U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide. Whether you’re looking to make your first export sale or expand to additional markets, we offer the expertise you need to connect with lucrative opportunities and increase your bottom line.
- Texas International Business Accelerator: Provides resources and support for businesses aiming to expand globally. The Texas International Business Accelerator (TIBA) is the most effective tool for companies and foreign entrepreneurs who wish to bring their products or services into the U.S. or set up operations in Texas.
- Texas Workforce Commission: Trade Adjustment Assistance: Offers resources for businesses and workers impacted by international trade.
Export Assistance & Financing
- North Texas District Export Council: Supports export growth in the North Texas region.
- Greater Houston Partnership – International Trade: Offers resources for Houston-based businesses looking to engage in international trade.
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport: International Business: Provides information on international business opportunities related to the airport.
- Port San Antonio: International Business Development: Focuses on business development and trade opportunities at Port San Antonio.
- Export-Import Bank of the United States: Texas: Offers financing solutions for Texas exporters.
- Texas Economic Development Corporation: Provides financial incentives for businesses expanding in Texas.
Chambers of Commerce, World Trade Centers & Business Associations
- Texas Association of Business: Advocates for businesses in Texas and provides valuable resources. Website: Texas Association of Business
- Texas Association of Manufacturers: Supports manufacturers and exporters in Texas. Website: Texas Association of Manufacturers
- Texas Economic Development Council: Offers information and resources for economic development in Texas. Website: Texas Economic Development Council
- Texas Association of Builders: Provides resources for construction-related businesses interested in international markets. Website: Texas Association of Builders
- Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce: Supports African American-owned businesses.
- Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce: Houston- Connects Asian-American businesses and promotes trade.
- Texas Association of Hispanic American Chambers of Commerce: Focuses on the growth of Mexican American-owned businesses.
- World Trade Center Houston: Provides information on trade-related events and resources.
- International Trade Center Houston: The ITC Community Empowerment Organization formerly known as International Trade Center. Mission: To empower the community through cultural awareness, positive ethnic identity, education, entrepreneurship, and trade development.
Export Documentation and Logistics
- Texas State University: SBDC International Trade Center: Offers training on export documentation and compliance.
- University of Texas SBDC: The UTSA SBDC International Trade Center is the largest and most successful trade assistance organization in the state of Texas. We are a specialty Small Business Development Center, and part of the Texas South-West SBDC Network housed and part of the UTSA Institute for Economic Development. All our services are free, customized, and 100% confidential. We help small and medium-size companies become globally competitive.
- Houston Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association: Provides resources on customs compliance and logistics. With an economic impact of over a quarter of a trillion dollars, the Houston economy depends on the critical role of U.S Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders. The Houston Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association (HCBFFA) strengthens this core industry sector through education and advocacy.
- Port of Houston Authority: Offers resources for businesses utilizing the Port of Houston.
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport – Cargo: Information on cargo and logistics services.
International Business Resources
- The Texas Tribune: Business Section: Covers business news and trends in Texas.
- Texas Innovation Alliance: Supports technology businesses expanding internationally. The Texas Innovation Alliance is a peer-to-peer network of Texas cities, transportation agencies, and research institutions committed to developing shared solutions to the state’s most pressing challenges – safety, congestion, and accessibility.
These resources should provide valuable information and support to small businesses in Texas looking to export or enter global markets. Please note that the availability of specific programs and resources may change over time, so it’s a good idea to verify the information on these websites directly.