FUNCTIONAL ASSISTANCE
Resource Description Phone Number
Downtown Map Map of major government, education and private establishments. 512-974-2000
Austin Newcomer Guide The Greater Austin Chamber’s Official Guide to the City. A Relocation Resource featuring Business, Housing, Attractions, and Newcomer Information. 512-478-9383
UT School of Architecture EXTENSIVE planning links to Urban Planning Resources on the Web; Local Government and Planning-related Sites in the Austin Area; Texas Planning-related Web Sites; Data Sources; Land Use and Zoning ; Housing; Law; Community Development; Information Infrastructure and Telecommunications Policy; Water Resources; Public Policy; and Federal State and City Links. 512-471-1922
UT Library Online - Business Reference Online Business References and Resources 512-495-4350
RENI PUBLISHING, INC. Small Business Resource Small Business Resource. Select a region and click on Site Map for details. Topics include: Financing, Advertising, SBA Financing, Regulations, Entrepreneurial Development, Government Contracting, Minority Business Development  
Cyburbia Portal site for urban planners. Selective directory of Internet resources relevant to planning and urbanism.  
ONE-ON-ONE COUNSELING
Resource Description Phone Number
City of Austin Small Business Development Program Counseling and assistance to small and minority owned businesses of all cultural backgrounds. Develop and empower small businesses in order to strengthen their business capability and survivability 512-974-7800
Small Business Development Center, Texas State University-San Marcos Professional staff of counselors, trainers, and researchers provides comprehensive, confidential business counseling services that are at no cost to the client. The SBDC is funded in part by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Texas State University at San Marcos, and an extensive network of banks, chambers of commerce, and other economic development organizations. 512-225-9888
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to providing entrepreneurs with free, confidential face-to-face and email business counseling. A Resource Partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration 512-928-2425
Small Business Development Center Confidential no-cost business counseling services on an array of business concerns are provided to existing small businesses as well as start-ups. Skill improvement training in a variety of business topics is also available. A resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration. (512) 716-4800 or
sbdc@txstate.edu
LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
Resource Description Phone Number
Austin Business Journal Print and online versions of the Austin Business Journal, containing the latest breaking business news. Also publisher of Book of Lists. 512-494-2500
Austin Chamber of Commerce Provides the latest information on Central Texas and all aspects of the business climate. The Chamber is committed to providing economic, financial and workforce leadership to the region. 512-478-9383
In Fact Daily Austin's daily electronic newswire covering city hall and local politics. 512-312-5065
Austin American-Statesman Daily and weekend Newspaper. Print and online. 512-445-4040
CONTACT A GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL
Resource Description
Email Mayor and City Council Link to email to Mayor and City Council.
Find and write a government official Information about current members of the Texas Senate, Texas House of Representatives, the Texas delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and the State Board of Education (SBOE).
City of Austin Site-map on City of Austin Web Pages
TAXES
Resource Description Phone Number
Travis Central Appraisal District Appraisal related information: Plat Maps, Appraisal Roll 512-834-9317
Internal Revenue Service - US IRS Business Pages  
IRS: Small Business & Self-employment IRS Small Business Pages  
IRS: Austin Assistance Office IRS Taxpayer Assistance Office: Walk in Service Center located at 825 E. Rundberg Ln.  
IRS: Online Training Take an IRS course or complete an online self-directed version of a workshop taught live around the country.  
IRS: CD-ROM Order Virtual Small Business Workshop CD-ROM online.  
IRS: Employer ID Numbers How to Apply for Federal Employer ID Numbers (EIN) online, mail or phone.  
Establish Texas Unemployment Tax Account Provides requirements for who must establish an account. Establish account online or at 9001 N IH 35, Suite 103A, Austin, TX 78753 512-837-8636
TWC: Tax Information and Transactions Establish a New Unemployment Tax Account, Review Status or Update your Tax Account, File and Pay Unemployment Tax, Learn About Unemployment Tax, Contact a TWC Tax Office, and Check Out Tax Credits  
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Sales Tax Information for New Businesses 512-463-3961 or 512-936-6105
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Summary of Texas Taxes and Tax Due Date Calendar 512-463-3961 or 512-936-6105
LABOR LAW
Resource Description Phone Number
Texas Workforce Commission: Labor Law Page Laws and Requirements for Employers 512-837-9559
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Resource Description Phone Number
Texas Workforce Commission Contact Information Contact Information and Directories 512-463-2222
TWC: Business & Employer Information Post a Job, Unemployment, Labor Law and Appeals Information, Tax Information and Transactions, Job Market and Economic Data, Laws and Requirements for Employers, Employee Training Programs and Funding, Child or Elder Care and Transportation Services, Save Money on Taxes, Training and UI Claims, Start or Expand a Business, Bid Opportunities with Texas Workforce, Publications, Resources and Upcoming Events, Related Sites, Contact Information and Directories, About Texas Workforce.  
WorkSource WorkSource is a system dedicated to helping people find jobs, employers find workers, and supporting all efforts that go into creating and developing a talented workforce in Travis County. Click here for a list.
WorkSource Business Services Job posting, recruitment, assessment, customized skills training, on-the-job training, tax credits, interview rooms, lay-off assistance, and career transition assistance. 512-485-3790
PERMITS/CODES/LICENSES
Resource Description
City of Austin Online Code Library Search Austin City Codes
Austin Fire Dept. Fire Code requirements and inspection services fall under the auspices of the Austin Fire Department. Includes Hazardous materials.
City of Austin Development Process Land Development Processes, Building Regulations, Permits & Inspections, Interactive Codes and Criteria, Geographic Information, Support Information, Ordinance Amendments & Rule Postings, Zoning.
City of Austin Water Water, waste water.
City of Austin Watershed Watershead development review. Protection.
City of Austin Food Management At least one individual in each Austin food establishment must have a Food Manager Certificate issued by the City of Austin.
State Liquor Permits Alcoholic Beverage Codes, Rules, Legal information. License or Permits.
Texas Economic Development (TxED) Dept. Starting a business and permiting assistance by type of business.
Office of the Texas Secretary of State - Corporations Division Business Entity Formation, Document Filing & Certification Services:, Corporations--Incorporating Your Business, Separate Legal and Tax Life, Management and Control in Corporations, Shareholders, Board of Directors, Corporate Officers.
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Williamson, Travis and Hays Counties in central Texas. Long Range Transportation Plan. Traffic counts.