• Business License & Permits Listing - Potential business start-ups can determine necessary licenses, permits, certifications, registrations, and/or authorizations for a specific business on the federal, state, and local levels.
   
• Alphabetical Business License & Permits Listing [365KB MSExcel] - Potential business start-ups research licenses, permits, certifications, registrations and/or authorizations for Fee Requirements and approximate Processing times. If you have any questions concerning Fees and Processing times, please contact the appropriate agency for more information.
   
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Startup Basics
  Starting your own business can be a thrilling adventure offering many rewards. Here's what you need to know to be prepared.
   
• Texas Online Business Portal – TEXAS AT YOUR FINGER TIPS. Online business registration provides information to potential and existing business on topics from starting a business to business research & statistics information.
   
• State Regulatory Agencies [32KB PDF] – List of state agencies with regulatory information for businesses in the state. The agencies provide regulatory oversight for different businesses within Texas.
   
• Business Industry & Data Center – Individuals can research business trends in Texas by Population, employment, business trends and other popular topics that can assist businesses.
   
• Comptroller Field Offices– State Tax Information - The Comptroller's office helps taxpayers comply with sometimes complicated tax rules and procedures.
   
• Secretary of State– Business Corporation Information - The Business and Public Filings Division consists of four different sections. These sections maintain filings and records related to Texas corporations, financial and banking transactions, executive branch commissions, Legislative mandates, and other public organizations.
   
• Texas Work Explorer - When workforce development, education and economic development combine efforts effective workforce solutions can be crafted for Texas employers, workers and students. This site is designed to bring together the workforce services offered by Texas State agencies and local partners so customers can easily access information and assistance. Just two clicks and you are on your way to recruiting, job search, education, training, and business expansion assistance.
   
• Texas Building & Procurement Commission (TBPC) administers the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program. The goal of this program is to promote full and equal business opportunity for all businesses in state contracting. HUB certification increases exposure to 'Information For Bid's' on delegated purchases, open market purchases, term contracts, leases, and construction projects. For complete information visit the TBPC website or call 512/463-5872 or (In Texas) 888/863.5881.
   
• U.S. Small Business Administration Business Plan Information – The U.S. Small Business Administration provides helpful insights into business planning. They can assist you with information that identifies your goals, and provide basic components for new and existing businesses.

ABOUT US: The Columbus Community and Industrial Development Corporation (CCIDC) administers the city’s half-cent 4-B sales tax revenues- approved by voters in 1995- for economic and community development.  Eligible activities for receipt of these funds are outlined in the proposition section of City Ordinance No.12-95.  The Corporation manages the Texas Crossroads Business Park and administers a community grants program.  The Corporation is managed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Columbus City Council.  Contact the CCIDC at 979-733-8282 or 979-732-2366 or  e-mail ccidc@columbustexas.net.