Starting a Business in Texas is Easy!… Mostly

Texas is widely regarded as the number one state for starting your own business thanks to the large presence of talent and Texas' friendly corporate tax laws.

Starting a business in Texas

Thanks to the Office of the Texas Governor, beginning your small business in the Lone Star State is as easy as 1,2,3!...4,5,6,7. That's right, the Governor's website displays seven steps that you must undergo in order to get your business up and running.

Like all big ventures, it all starts with a solid plan that will outline your goals. Not only should it show your main purpose and structure, but it should act as a road map for development on land and on paper.

In fact, the U.S. Small Business Association has specialized templates that can help create and run your business--how easy is that!

Your next two steps are choosing the location and the ways in which you'll fund the project. City zoning ordinances, customer traffic and available work force are the top factors that should drive your location decision-making process.

When it comes to financing, self-funding or raising money from friends and family would most likely be the easiest route. You can also apply for bank/federal loans or speak with potential investors, depending on how much you will need to start and maintain your new business.

Next, you'll need to decide your business' structure. Whether it's sole proprietorships or you go incorporated, your local county clerk's office and the Secretary of State's Office can help with whatever choice best fits your needs.

Finally, the last three steps include tax responsibilities, licenses, and employer requirements. The IRS will handle federal tax payments while the Texas comptroller can handle state. Texas even makes online businesses a breeze with useful tools for staying virtual.

The type of your business will determine what licenses and permits are required. The full list of what you will and will not need can be found on the Governor's website, but you can always contact Texas' Business Permit Office for further guidance.

When it comes to hiring staff, there are a slew of employer requirements that you must adhere to. But hey, I told you Texas makes it easy, right? Just check out the Texas Workforce Commission's site to have all the answers you need when hiring employees.

And there you go! Just a few housekeeping steps in between, and boom! You've got yourself a brand new business in the great State of Texas.