Austin TX Business Law Blog

What grants could I receive as a minority small business owner?

As a minority business owner, you may be eligible to receive a wide range of grants, which cost you nothing and need not be repaid.  Federal and private grants are designed to help minority business owners achieve success.  Sadly, a racial wage gap continues to exist in the United States. Black and Hispanic individuals continue to earn an estimated 30 percent less than their Caucasian counterparts.

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What policies should my employee handbook include?

All Texas employers should craft an employee handbook that sets out the business’ policies, expectations of employees, procedures, and benefits.  You can use your handbook as a means of reaching out to employees to instill your company vision while providing a comprehensive list of rules that can help to maintain a productive and safe workplace.  Every employee handbook will be unique, but most employee handbooks in Texas should include the following:

1. An introduction to your company:  Consider starting your employee handbook off with a brief introduction to your company and the handbook itself.
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How can the SBA help my woman-owned business succeed?

Data recently released by the Texas comptroller reveals that the number of women-owned businesses is at an all-time high in Texas.  Between the years 2007 and 2016, the number of women-owned businesses in the United States increased five times as fast as the total number of companies.  While this trend represents great news for women entrepreneurs, many female small business owners still find it tough to break into traditionally male dominated fields.

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How will owning a small business impact my life?

Running a small business can prove challenging for even the most prepared new business owners.  While most small businesses will survive their first year, many fail to make it in the ensuing years.  If you are considering launching your own small business, take a look at some of the basic challenges facing small business owners below.
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Should I buy a franchise business in Texas?

When it comes to starting your own business, you have numerous options available to you.  Budding entrepreneurs may consider buying a franchise, rather than starting your own concept.  There are several crucial advantages to buying a franchise, but also some limitations of which you should be aware.
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Is financial assistance available to help my business recover after a disaster?

Hurricane Harvey struck the state of Texas on August 25, 2017.  This destructive storm brought over 40 inches of rain to areas in Texas, causing massive flooding.  Hundreds of thousands of homes were flooded in the storm, displacing over 30,000 people.  Businesses across Texas suffered tremendous flooding and loss of business damages.  It is estimated that the costs of Harvey could mount to over $30 billion.

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What types of inventions can be patented?

Many businesses rely on a unique process or concept to achieve success.  Without legal protection, your novel idea is at risk of being copied or stolen.  Thankfully, some small business owners can protect their inventions by filing for a patent.  Patent law is complex and not every idea will qualify for legal protections.  Read more . . .

How do I form a corporation in Texas?

Selecting a business entity for your new venture is a critical step.  While there are several potential business structures to choose from, corporations have long been one of the most popular business entities.  If you have determined that a corporation is the right business structure for your business, you will now need to take the appropriate steps to form your corporation.  Our Read more . . .

What is a registered agent?

You’ve taken the first steps towards starting your new business by selecting a business entity, but now you need to choose a registered agent for your business.  Naming a registered agent may seem like a formality, but it can have important implications for your business in the future.  As such, it is imperative that you understand the role of a registered agent and what you should know before choosing your agent.
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How do I get my business ready for sale?

Selling your business can be just as complex as developing it.  If you are considering selling your small business in Texas, it is important that you understand the sales process, how to prepare for the sale, and how you will exit your business.  Selling your business when the market is high can bring you tremendous financial reward, but the sale needs to be carefully conducted so as to ensure you receive a fair sales price.  Our

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How might Texas business owners be affected by the renegotiation of NAFTA?

As the United States and Mexico seek to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Texas business owners are taking their own steps to ensure trade between the U.S. and Texas remains strong. Several of Texas’ large business associations have formed a coalition aimed at protecting trade between the U.S.

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