How Do I...
Whether you’re just starting out on pursuing your idea, you’re looking for a way to grow from $1 Million to $3 Million, or you’re looking for information on pursuing County contracts, the Bexar County Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department has resources for you. This site is designed to address the most frequently asked questions by businesses of every stage to give them the resources needed to succeed.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, if you need more information on a subject, or you feel lost, don’t hesitate to reach out. The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department is here to help. Call us at (210) 335-2478 or schedule an appointment.
This page is designed to provide small business owners and entrepreneurs with information they need to start or grow their business, as well as resources for doing business with Bexar County. It is not intended to promote one entity over another or give recommendations, reviews, or endorsements.
- How do I register my business name or get an Assumed Name: Doing Business As (DBA)?
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Visit the Bexar County Clerk’s office at the Bexar County Paul Elizondo Tower, next to the Courthouse to register the business name, 1st floor 101 W. Nueva (Notary public onsite) Call them at (210) 335-2223 or visit them on the web. Copies of misplaced certificates can be obtained.
- Where do I get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)? Why do I need it for my business?
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Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by visiting Internal Revenue Service's webpage or: IRS San Antonio 8122 Datapoint Dr Suite 210, San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 841-2090
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, Businesses need an EIN. You may apply for an EIN in various ways, and now you may apply online. This is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service and you can get your EIN immediately.
- Where do I get a State of Texas sales tax permit?
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Complete the application if you are engaged in business in Texas and:
- Sell or lease tangible personal property in Texas; or
- Sell taxable services in Texas.
Texas State Comptroller offices are located in San Antonio or contacted at Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Field Office - San Antonio Taxpayer Services and Collections 10010 San Pedro Ave Suite 410, San Antonio, Texas 78216-3862 (210) 342-2300
- Where can I get information on permits needed for my business?
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The City of San Antonio Development Services Department at 1901 S. Alamo St. is a one stop shop for required permits, licenses, zoning, and certificates to operate a business in San Antonio. Businesses located in unincorporated areas of Bexar County need to contact Bexar County Public Works at (210) 335-6700 or visit 233 N. Pecos, Suite 420, San Antonio, Texas 78207. Businesses located in surrounding Bexar County cities listed below need to contact the city offices for the following entities to obtain required permits:
- Alamo Heights
- Balcones Heights
- Castle Hills
- China Grove
- Cibolo
- Converse
- Elmendorf
- Fair Oaks Ranch
- Grey Forest
- Helotes
- Hill Country Village
- Hollywood Park
- Kirby
- Leon Valley
- Live Oak
- Lytle
- Olmos Park
- Sandy Oaks
- Schertz
- Selma
- Shavano Park
- Somerset
- St. Hedwig
- Terrell Hills
- Universal City
- Von Ormy
- Windcrest
CDPs: Cross Mountain, Lackland AFB, Macdona, Randolph AFB, Scenic Oaks, Timberwood park
Unincorporated Communities: Adkins, Atascosa, Leon Springs, Losoya, Martinez, Sayers, and Wetmore
(Note: for further details on home based businesses please make sure to contact your local entity).
- Where can I get training or counseling on starting a business and or writing a business plan?
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UTSA Small Business Development Center offers training and counseling on international trade and government contracting as well as a variety of other subjects. They can be contacted at https://sasbdc.org/ or 210.458.2460.
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business Volunteers provide professional guidance and information to maximize the success of America's existing and emerging small businesses. Additional contact information can be found at San Antonio SCORE or 210.403.5931.
- Are there any grants to start a business?
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No - but the SBA offers Small Business Loans through various financial institutions in and around Bexar County.
For local micro-lending institutions or start up loans please contact:
- LiftFund at LiftFund or 888.215.2373
- Small Business Administration at the Small Business Administration Website or 210.403.5931
- Information about community grants is available from the San Antonio Area Foundation at http://www.saafdn.org/ or 210.225.2243
- How do I certify my business as HUB, SBE, MBE, AABE, HABE, ASBE, NABE, DIBE, DBE, VBE or LGBTE?
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Note: Certification is not required to respond to any County Solicitation.
Local Bexar County Area
- South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCRTRCA) or 210-227-4722
Federal:
- SBA 8(a), SBE, SBA, HUB Zone and Empowerment Zone
- Texas Unified Certification Program is a certification process for the Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Programs in Texas.
State
Private Sector Certifications
- How do I become a Bexar County Vendor?
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Visit the Bexar County Purchasing Website and go to the Supplier Portal Registration and follow the steps listed. You can contact the Purchasing Department at 210.335.2211.
- How do I register to do business with other agencies, school districts or the State or Federal Government?
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The Opportunity Link is an initiative of the Bexar County SBE Department to address business development and small, minority and women-owned business participation in public procurement opportunities.
- How do I find out about pre-bid meetings, events, trainings and networking events?
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Go on-line to the SBED Homepage, www.bexar.org/smwbe, and click on the Calendar Button. Subscribe to calendar notifications by clicking on the Notify Me button, and you will automatically be alerted about the latest events in our community.
For more information please contact the SMWBE office at (210) 335-2478 or www.bexar.org/smwbe
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Contact Us
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department
Email SBE DepartmentPhysical Address
203 W Nueva
San Antonio, TX 78207
DirectionsPhone: 210-335-2478
Fax: 210-335-0673