Guide to Starting a Business

For a lean business plan, the following sections are often required:

• What problem are you trying to solve?
• How does your product/service provide a solution to that problem?
• Does an audience exist that also shares that problem? (Also known as customer discovery.)
• What are the key metrics that prove that?
• What is your product/service’s unique value proposition – how is it different from similar products or services that are already out there?
• What is your business’ cost structure and revenue streams?
• Who is your audience / what customer segments are you targeting?
• What channels are you using to market your business?

Learn more about how to write a lean business plan on the Sparkyard blog.

For a more robust traditional business plan, the following sections are often required:

• An executive summary that provides a brief overview of the fundamentals of your business.
• A company overview that provides a general overview of your business and your industry, along with your plans and goals for the future.
• A description of your products and services, and what makes them different than similar offerings.
• An industry analysis that examines key trends in your industry, exploring how much customers in your area will pay for your product or service (also known as customer validation), who your competition is and how you stack up against them, and identifying your target market.
• An operations plan that describes the daily operations of the business and what you need to make it happen (equipment, personnel, your location, etc.)
• Information about your business’ management team and organizational structure, including advisors, insurance agents, accountants, attorneys, etc.
• A financial plan that looks at your business’ historical financial data, often looking back at your previous 12-month profit and loss statement, and looking ahead through a 12-month cash-flow projection and balance sheet.
  • Bankers and loan officers may want to see a longer period of historical financial data.
  • One of the key things they will focus on in this section is to understand how long it will take your business to become profitable, and how that compares to your business’ debt and other financial metrics.
• A risk assessment and/or exit strategy is also helpful in assisting business owners as they plan for the unexpected.

All businesses must adopt a legal configuration that defines the rights and liabilities of the business owners, as well as their scope of control, personal liability, the business’ life span, and its financial structure.

Because this decision will have long-term implications, it's strongly recommended that you consult with a lawyer or a tax specialist to determine which form of ownership is right for you.

You’ll also want to take the following into consideration before coming to your decision:

• What is your vision for the size and nature of your business?
• What level of control do you want to have over your business?
• How vulnerable is your business to lawsuits?
• What are the tax implications of your chosen organizational structure?
• What is your expected profit (or loss) for the business?
• Will you be re-investing any earnings back into the business?
• Will you need to access cash out of the business for yourself?

To learn more about different legal structures for your business, visit the Texas Secretary of State website.

* This section is not intended to be a replacement for sound legal or tax advice. It is strongly suggested that you consult with your lawyer or tax specialist to ensure that your business structure works best for your business needs.

Helpful resources and assistance

• An accountant or banker
• An attorney 

A general business license is not required in Texas. However, all entities that transact business in Texas are required to register with the Texas Secretary of State or county clerk's office. The certificate of formation received from the Secretary of State's Office or the assumed name certificate provided by Tarrant County satisfies the "general business license" requirement that exists within other states.

Additionally, all businesses should register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Register with Tarrant County

While a general business license is not required in Texas, sole proprietorships and partnerships operating in Fort Worth need to register and file their business name – also known as a DBA ("doing business as") or assumed name – with Tarrant County. 

Apply online on the Tarrant County website

Register with the Secretary of State

Businesses who decide to incorporate – become a corporation, a limited liability company (LLC), or a limited partnership – must file a certificate of formation with the Texas Secretary of State.

Likewise, businesses in Texas who form a limited liability partnership must register with the Texas Secretary of State.

The Secretary of State provides a form that meets minimum state law requirements for each business structure, and a certificate of formation can be filed online through SOSDirect.

Register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN or FEIN) must be obtained from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service by employers with employees, or who are part of business partnerships or corporations. Registering for an EIN is free.

• Even if you’re a sole proprietor without employees, an EIN may be required for government forms or to open bank accounts, so it’s strongly recommended that you get one.
• If you’re a sole proprietor, EINs can also be used instead of your personal social security number to protect against identity theft.

Apply online for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Helpful resources and assistance

• Texas Secretary of State's Office
  • Selecting a business structure
  • SOS Direct - Filing business formation documents

Depending on your type of business, the State of Texas or other governing entities may require additional license or business registration paperwork to be completed.

The Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide offers a comprehensive listing of state permits and licenses required for operating a business in Texas.

View the 2022 Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide(PDF, 5MB)

For more information or additional assistance, please contact the Texas Economic Development & Tourism's Business Permit Office.

Helpful resources and assistance

• Texas Economic Development
  • Start a business in Texas
  • Business Permit Office

Businesses that fall under one of the following categories are eligible to become certified disadvantaged business enterprises, which can make them eligible for specific local programs and opportunities. 

More certification information is available on the City of Fort Worth’s business equity webpage.

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)

A Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) is a minority-owned business owned by a United States citizen(s) who is Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American. The business must be at least 51% owned by these qualifying individuals, and in a publicly-owned business, at least 51% of all stock classes must be controlled by minority group members.

Get certified at either the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA) or the Dallas/Fort Worth Minority Business Development Council (DFW MSDC).

Women Business Enterprise

A Women Business Enterprise (WBE) is owned one or more women U.S. citizen(s). The business must be at least 51% owned by these qualifying individuals, and in a publicly-owned business, at least 51% of all stock classes must be controlled by one or more women.)

Get certified at either the Women’s Business Council – Southwest (WBCS) or the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA).

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

A certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) is a for-profit small business where socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least 51% interest in the company, while also controlling management and daily business operations. (African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific and Subcontinent Asian Americans, and women are presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged.)

• DBEs are program-eligible for federally-funded projects.
• To be regarded as economically disadvantaged, an individual must have a personal net worth that does not exceed $1.32 million.
• To become certified, qualifying businesses must be verified as having been in existence for 24 months, with at least 20% of its workforce being based in the City of Fort Worth's marketplace for certified business equity firms. This includes:
  • Firms based within the Fort Worth city limits (includes portions of Parker, Wise and Denton counties.)
  • Firms based within Tarrant County.
  • Firms based within Johnson County.
  • Firms based within Dallas County.

Get certified at either North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA) or the Texas Department of Transportation’s Unified Certification Program (UCP).

Helpful resources and assistance

• City of Fort Worth's Business Equity Office
• Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce
• North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency
• Regional Hispanic Contractor Association

Personal investment or personal savings are one option for business owners who wish to fund their initial business costs themselves. This can also include crowdfunding, or raising money from friends and family.

Financing a business on credit usually involves a business loan from a bank or another financial institution, like a credit union. Each organization will have different requirements for their loan terms, and the credit history of the business owner may be a factor in loan eligibility.

Community development financial institutions (CDFIs)

Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are private financial institutions that are focused on benefitting low-income, low-wealth, and under-resourced communities and places. Different CDFIs have different requirements to receive funding, but several benefits to using CDFI loans is that it’s typically more flexible than funding offered by conventional financing institutions and can likewise be more flexible when it comes to an individual or business’ credit history.

• CDFI Friendly Fort Worth is a nonprofit that matches CDFIs with residents, entrepreneurs, and other audiences in Fort Worth’s under-resourced communities who need funding.
• PeopleFund provides flexible loans to small businesses, start-ups and nonprofit organizations across Texas.
• William Mann Jr. Community Development Corporation is a Fort Worth-based CDFI that offers a variety of loan programs depending on your business’ needs.

Federal loans

Federal loans are available through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Grants are occasionally available to help support your business, which can be specific to your business’ industry, size, or the community it serves.

• Small Business Innovation & Research (SBIR) grants are opportunities that allow participating federal agencies to partner with small businesses to perform experimental, developmental or research work. The application process can be complex and competitive, so HSC’s SBIR Phase 0 program exists to help startups in Tarrant County navigate that journey.

Angel investors are usually high net-worth individuals who invest their own funds into early-stage startups, ranging anywhere from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. Businesses seeking investment from Angels should expect to undergo a due diligence process, particularly on their financials and other key information, which will be relevant to their potential investors.

Angel investors will often come together to form angel networks, which allow them to combine their collective funds, experience, or influence to make better investments.

• Cowtown Angels is a Fort Worth-based Angel network that connects entrepreneurs seeking early-stage funding with local investors in an environment that accelerates growth and rewards strategic risk-taking.
• North Texas Angel Network is a Dallas-based Angel Network aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in North Texas.

Venture capital (VC) is typically only accessible to companies who have demonstrated solid sales and needs a large amount of capital to scale quickly.

Venture capital firms manage funds comprised of other peoples’ money, which allows them to make larger investments than angels. However, they often receive some equity ownership of the company – plus royalties or other payouts based on the revenue the business generates – in exchange for their funding.

Expectations for financial returns are also often higher than for angel investors.

• RevTech Ventures is a Dallas-based early-stage venture capital firm that invests in retail technology.
• Venture Dallas is dedicated to growing the innovation ecosystem in Dallas-Fort Worth, connecting startup investors with high-growth companies, and building collaboration among the venture capital and investment community.

Private equity is a kind of funding that is typically available for older, more mature companies, coming through special firms and funds or high net worth individuals.

Compared to venture capital firms, private equity funders typically have a broader portfolio and focus on less risky, more mature companies.

Fort Worth offers several different incentives that would benefit developers, small businesses and investors interested in driving change in the city’s reinvestment zones.

Catalytic development incentives

Catalytic development incentives are for projects that will drive new development and fill gaps in the local economy of these target corridors. Projects must commit to at least $5 million in investment, and fall under at least one of the following categories:

• The project is a mixed-use development.
• The project meets a gap in the community. (Ex. A grocery store in a food desert.)
• The project is located along a commercial corridor or within an urban village.
• The project generates significant job opportunities in the area.
• The project helps create a hub of entrepreneurial activity that attracts additional entrepreneurs and high-growth companies.

Historic Site Tax Exemption

The historic site tax exemption program helps promote the preservation and renovation of historical buildings throughout Fort Worth.

Business owners or developers who are willing to make improvements to a historic property that is equal to at least 20% of its assessed value will be eligible for a tax freeze, and will pay the pre-approved tax rate for ten years.

Façade improvement grants

Façade improvement grants are available to help small businesses along commercial corridors improve their curb appeal, which in turn boosts foot traffic to their business. Once a grant is approved, the City of Fort Worth will reimburse business owners $1 for every $3 spent on eligible improvements, after the project is complete. Eligible improvements include updates to painting, siding, windows, doors, exterior lighting, trim, signage, and more.

Surface parking lot redevelopment

Grants and tax abatements are both available for projects that redevelop a surface parking lot to support compatible businesses in Fort Worth’s Central Business District (CBD) and nearby commercial corridors – specifically East Lancaster Ave. and Jacksboro Hwy.

• To be considered for an economic development grant, the project must redevelop a surface parking lot within these areas that occupies at least 30% of the city block where the parking lot is located.
• For developments that include multiple lots owned by different / unrelated parties, the grant amount may increase up to 45%.

Additional development tools

• Designated investment zones include certain CDBG-eligible tracts of land that have been targeted for revitalization efforts. These zones receive enhanced consideration under various City of Fort Worth incentive programs.
• Neighborhood Empowerment Zones (NEZs) are designated areas where projects may be eligible for municipal property tax abatements, fee waivers, or the release of city liens for property owners who decide to build or rehabilitate existing property within the NEZ.
• Opportunity Zones are part of an economic development program established by Congress in 2017. The program encourages long-term investment in low-income urban and rural communities across the country through a tax incentive, which allows investors to re-invest their unrealized capital gains into Opportunity Funds. These funds are then invested into Opportunity Zones, which are designated by the State. Six of these zones are located in Fort Worth.
• Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) are districts created by property owners within a defined geographic area, who agree to levy an assessment – a small fee based on their property value – across the district in order to provide improvements or maintenance within the district that has a positive impact on the collective community, such as security, beautification of common areas, promotion of the district, and more.
• Revitalization Areas of Opportunity are geographic areas located around strategically valuable neighborhood commercial corridors where the city concentrates programmatic and incentive support, which creates a strong environment for small businesses, entrepreneurship, and commercial development.
• Tax Increment Financing Districts (TIFs) are defined reinvestment zones that freeze the tax value on the property in its current state, creating a “base value”. As the area sees more development and investment, its value rises and that tax increment – the difference between the TIF’s new taxable value versus its original base value – is set aside to fund larger infrastructure projects within the district.
• Urban villages are small geographic areas zoned for dense, multi-use development that is both mass-transit and pedestrian-friendly. Parks, businesses, entertainment, homes and stores are all within walking distance in an area with a consistent look and feel that emphasizes the culture and community of its residents.

• Transportation Impact Fees Discounts - The amount of transportation impact fees due under Schedule 2 for building permits, other than new construction building permits, shall be reduced by 25% for a development that meets all of the following qualifications, as jointly determined by the Development Services Department and the Department of Economic Development:

         1. An independently owned for-profit or non-profit entity with a physical Fort Worth business address;

         2. Business must not be a subsidiary of a larger company nor a franchisee of a chain with more than 5 franchises;

         3. Annual revenues of $2,500,000 or less for the most recent 12-month period

         4. 25 Employees or less;

         5. Business operations established at least 1 year prior to making application for the discount; and

         6. Proof of qualifications provided by notarized affidavit

                 *Sexually Oriented Businesses and Game Rooms are not eligible for this discount.*

  
  

If none of these options apply to your business, but you’re still interested in exploring opportunities in one of Fort Worth’s Areas of Impact, contact the City of Fort Worth’s Economic Development Department at 817-392-2610 to see if other options are available.

Zoning

The city promotes orderly growth and land use while protecting existing property owners by grouping together compatible development — a practice known as zoning. Make sure your project is allowed, according to the zoning district, by utilizing the Development Services tool, CFW Permit Assist. 

Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

Any building used or occupied in Fort Worth must have a Certificate of Occupancy. The Fort Worth Administrative Building Code states that no building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made, until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy. In Fort Worth, one and two-family dwellings and townhouses are regulated by the International Residential Code and community homes, as defined by the zoning ordinance, are exempted from this requirement and do not receive certificates of occupancy. 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

The Elimination of Architectural Barriers law is meant to ensure that buildings and facilities constructed or altered in Texas are accessible and functional for all persons with disabilities. The statute requires compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS). The Elimination of Architectural Barriers law is meant to ensure that buildings and facilities constructed or altered in Texas are accessible and functional for all persons with disabilities. 

Helpful resources and assistance

• CFW Permit Assist
• City of Fort Worth Zoning
• City of Fort Worth Certificate of Occupancy
• Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) - Elimination of Architectural Barriers

  
  

Pre-Development Conferences (PDC)

PDC with City staff are offered for applicants to learn more about City development policies and procedures and to address site specific issues.

These meetings are meant to be a “discovery” type meeting, designed to help all parties involved with project due diligence. The meetings will not serve as a comprehensive question and answer session, rather, assist in uncovering potential issues, a platform to create a common understanding between the applicant and City departments, and to help streamline the development process.

• To Schedule a PDC: 

1. Complete the Pre-Development Conference Request Form
2. Email the Form to the Development Coordinator

Helpful resources and assistance

• Pre-Development Coordinator Contact: 817-392-1732
• Pre-Development Conference Website

  
  

  
  

Zoning

The city promotes orderly growth and land use while protecting existing property owners by grouping together compatible development — a practice known as zoning. City of Fort Worth Zoning map.

The Zoning regulations and districts have been adopted in accordance with a  Comprehensive Plan and have been designed to:

• Lessen traffic congestion
• Provide safety from fire, panic, and other dangers
• Provide adequate light and air
• Prevent the overcrowding of land
• Avoid the undue concentration of population
• Provide and facilitate adequate provisions for transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements.

Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

Any building used or occupied in Fort Worth must have a Certificate of Occupancy. The Fort Worth Administrative Building Code states that no building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made, until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy. In Fort Worth, one and two-family dwellings and townhouses are regulated by the International Residential Code and community homes, as defined by the zoning ordinance, are exempted from this requirement and do not receive certificates of occupancy. 

Helpful resources and assistance

• Make sure your project is allowed, according to the zoning district, with CFW Permit Assist
• City of Fort Worth Zoning
• City of Fort Worth Zoning Map
• Everything to know about Fort Worth Zoning in TWO MINUTES! - YouTube
• City of Fort Worth Certificate of Occupancy
  

  
  

City of Fort Worth Infrastructure Plan Review Center (IPRC)

This role includes: preliminary and final plan review, contract specification review, easement document review, acceptance of plans for construction, and coordination with the developer’s engineer during the construction phase of the project. 

Platting

A plat is a map of a piece of land identifying the location and boundaries of street rights of way, individual lots or parcels and other site information.

Helpful resources and assistance

• City of Fort Worth IPRC
• City of Fort Worth Platting

Develop

Building plans are a graphical representation of what a proposed building will look like after construction. They are typically used by builders and contractors to construct buildings and can include site plans, foundation plans, floor plans, and building elevations and many others. Anyone who is constructing a new building, adding on to an existing building, remodeling an existing building, changing the occupancy and use of an existing building or space will need to submit building plans for review. Check out what needs to be included in a complete set of plans for review by the City of Fort Worth.

Design

The Fort Worth American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers can help design your project. 

Submit

Once plans are complete, submit them to the City of Fort Worth's online permitting system, Accela Citizen Access (ACA).

Helpful resources and assistance

• Fort Worth AIA
• Fort Worth Chapter of  the Texas Society of Professional Engineers 
• City of Fort Worth Building Plan Requirements
• City of Fort Worth Ordinances & Construction Codes
• Apply for a Permit (ACA)
• Assistance with Applying for a Permit

Commercial Permitting

New commercial construction, commercial accessory buildings, remodels and additions require building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits. The building permit must be obtained and issued before a trade permit can be applied for. Additional requirements may need to be met before a building permit can be issued depending upon the property location, zoning or based on design guidelines for the area. Permits are required for construction that changes, moves or repairs walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing.

Permits are not required for “cosmetic” remodels (floor or wall covering, cabinets, counter tops, shelving, etc.) or plumbing fixture replacement.

Projects with construction costs equal to or greater than $50,000 must register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for Architectural Barriers and provide registration number at time of application.

Utilize the City of Fort Worth's Development Services tool, CFW Permit Assist, to see which permits you need and what they will cost.

To apply for a permit, visit the City of Fort Worth's online permitting system, Accela Citizen Access (ACA). 

Helpful resources and assistance

• City of Fort Worth Commercial Permits
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for Architectural Barriers
• CFW Permit Assist
•  Apply for a Permit (ACA)

• Assistance with Applying for a Permit 

The Bureau of Fire Prevention is tasked with overseeing Fire Code compliance to promote fire safety and has adopted the 2021 set of International Codes.

Helpful resources and assistance

• City of Fort Worth Commercial Fire Inspection Bureau
• Small Business Guide for Annual Inspection Compliance(PDF, 199KB)

City of Fort Worth Consumer Health

Consumer Health protects the public by providing an array of health and safety inspections to include food, child care and public swimming pools. Training is provided for food handlers, child care workers and pool operators.  

Helpful resources and assistance

• City of Fort Worth Consumer Health

City of Fort Worth Inspections

Inspections are necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of building owners and their patrons.

It is required for all construction, or work for which a permit is required, and shall be subject to inspection by the building official. All such construction, or work, shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the building official.

Helpful resources and assistance

• City of Fort Worth Inspections

Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

Any building used or occupied in Fort Worth must have a Certificate of Occupancy. The Fort Worth Administrative Building Code states that no building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made, until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy. A certificate of occupancy will be issued following the approval of all final inspections. The CO will be e-mailed to the contact person listed for the permit on the business day following the final approval.  Additional information about permits leading to a CO can be found here. 

• Utilize this(PDF, 156KB) resource guide if opening a restaurant.

Helpful resources and assistance

• City of Fort Worth Certificate of Occupancy
• City of Fort Worth Building Codes
• Permits leading to a CO(PDF, 77KB)
• Small Business Guide for Restaurants (PDF, 156KB)
• Small Business Guide for Annual Inspection Compliance(PDF, 199KB)

Utilize the Walk-In Permitting Team

Certain small building project and occupancy permits can be done on the same day of application with express assistance of the Walk-In Permit Team.  This program is for occupancy and remodel projects in existing buildings that are below 6000 square feet. 

Qualification criteria and instructions on using the walk-in permit team are below:

Do I Qualify for Express Assistance?

Remodel existing tenant space under 6,000 sq. feet. 

               I already have a Certificate of Occupancy for this business, I am just making changes to walls or mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems.

• Game rooms, smoke shops, sexually oriented businesses, and hazardous occupancies will not qualify.

Moving into new tenant space under 6,000 sq. feet, no change of use and no remodeling - I just need a CO.

              I need to apply for an Occupancy Existing Ordinance permit (PO). 

• Game rooms, smoke shops, sexually oriented businesses, and hazardous occupancies will not qualify.

Moving into new tenant space under 6,000 sq. feet, with a change of use.

              I need to apply for an Occupancy Change of Use permit (PO).

• Game rooms, smoke shops, sexually oriented businesses, and hazardous occupancies will not qualify.

I Qualify, Now What?

Remodel

STEP 1: Click here to see what information is needed to apply for the Remodel Permit.

STEP 2: Fill out the correct application online, be sure to include all documents, plans, etc, listed in the application checklist.

STEP 3: Come up to City Hall, located at 100 Fort Worth Trail in Fort Worth, Texas, and sign in at registration desk. Be sure to notify the customer service representative you are there for assistance from the small business express permitting walk-in team.

Occupancy Existing Ordinance Permit (PO)

STEP 1: Fill out the PO without change of use or remodeling application online.

STEP 2: Bring the existing Certificate of Occupancy and floor plan of existing space (to calculate occupant load) up to City Hall, located at 100 Fort Worth Trail in Fort Worth, Texas, and sign in at registration desk. Be sure to notify the customer service representative you are there for assistance from the small business express permitting walk-in team.

Occupancy Change of Use Permit (PO)

STEP 1: Click here to see what information is needed to apply for the Occupancy Change of Use (PO)

STEP 2: Fill out the correct application online, be sure to include all documents, plans, etc, listed in the application checklist.

STEP 3: Come up to City Hall, located at 100 Fort Worth Trail in Fort Worth, Texas, and sign in at registration desk. Be sure to notify the customer service representative you are there for assistance from the small business express permitting walk-in team.

I Don't Qualify, What Can I Do?

Don't qualify for Express Permitting?

Be sure to check out our other permitting options here.

Make an appointment with our Qless Appointment Service

The City recognizes that despite best efforts, sometimes understanding and complying with code regulations can still be challenging. For that reason, the Development Services offers free consultation meetings with an appointment.

Book your appointment now

Small Business Liaison Service

Whether you are a new business or an established business, the City of Fort Worth wants to partner with you.

This small business facilitation service provides you with a dedicated liaison for construction or building occupancy-related permitting assistance.  Business Facilitators will help to guide you through the appropriate City-related permits you need to get your business open.

Call 817-392-1732 to get started.

Check out the XTeam

No need to worry if your project does not qualify for express permitting with the walk-in permit team, because our department also offers a service through our Expedited Plan Review Team (XTeam). 

The XTeam is typically used for the larger and more complicated projects - visit the website or give them a call now at 817-392-2305.

If you hire employees for your business, you will be responsible for additional employment insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. This means you’ll need to apply for federal and state withholding numbers.

• For information on Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) or Federal Tax Identification Numbers (FEINs), visit the U.S. Internal Revenue Service website.
• For information on State Sales Tax and State Withholding Tax, visit the website of the Texas Comptroller's Office.

No matter what stage your business is in, there are local resources available to meet you where you are and provide feedback and mentorship that will help you set your business up for long-term success.

Start with Sparkyard

Sparkyard is Fort Worth’s small business resource navigator, which means their team can connect you with the right organization to help your business with whatever it needs, no matter what your stage of development.

Additionally, Sparkyard offers customized Spark Plans to build a list of customized resources to help you take your business to the next level, and also offers an interactive growth circuit that can help take your business from idea to launch and expansion.

Sparkyard growth circuits are available for microenterprises, “Main Street” small businesses, innovative businesses, and second-stage businesses looking to expand or make an exit.

Other business coaching

A business coach can be helpful at any stage of your journey. This individualized assistance can help owners focus their energy, brainstorm solutions to challenges, and think through different options to solve problems.

The following Fort Worth partners offer business consulting sessions, often specialized within a specific niche:

• The Accelerate Fort Worth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that specializes in helping small business owners navigate whatever challenges they face in a constantly-evolving business climate.
• HSC Next offers coaching sessions for startups that are focused on biotech or the physical health industry.
• North Texas Entrepreneur Education Training Center (NTEETC) is a North Richland Hills-based organization focused on education and ecosystem building with local entrepreneurs.
• SCORE Fort Worth provides free small business mentorship and coaching, along with a number of workshops and activities for small business owners looking to improve specialized skills.
• Tarrant Small Business Development Center (Tarrant SBDC) provides free one-on-one advising, business training, and market research resources to help small business owners prepare to pursue different funding opportunities.
• TechFW offers 30-minute consulting sessions with businesses who have a proprietary technology component, or businesses working to manufacture their own product.

Small business networking

Several organizations throughout Fort Worth also offer networking events and activities to help business owners get “plugged in” to the larger entrepreneurial ecosystem. A small sample of such organizations includes:

• Sparkyard
• Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce

Visit Sparkyard's calendar of upcoming small business events and activities 

As you start and grow your small business or startup, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone on your entrepreneurial journey. There are several resources available to you through the City of Fort Worth or through one of its partners to help provide you with guidance and support as you plan out the next steps for your business.

Learn more about whether your business could benefit more from an incubator or an accelerator on the Sparkyard blog.

Incubators

Incubators are typically helpful for businesses that are in the earliest stages of their development – when a business idea is “incubating”, and a founder might be working to finalize a proof of concept and develop a sustainable, scalable business model.

• HSC Next’s incubator focuses on biotech companies, providing office space and admin support in addition to three levels of access to help entrepreneurs bring new technologies to market.
• TechFW’s SmartStart business incubator assists founders in launching a new company. It helps the entrepreneur formalize the business framework necessary for the company to execute its path to market strategies. At the same time, the company works to develop a minimal viable product with the help of TechFW coaches work to help facilitate the process of engaging early adopters, prototyping, and test marketing the product/service idea.

Accelerators

Accelerators are a good fit for businesses who have a fully-formed idea or business model, but are looking to scale up or accelerate its growth to reach its full potential.

Accelerators usually run for a fixed duration, and involve working with a cohort – so you’re building a community with likeminded business owners and industry peers who are in similar situations with their own businesses. If you’re also seeking outside investors to help scale your company, an accelerator is a great place to explore those options.

• TechFW’s ThinkLab startup accelerator is a personal investment into the foundations of technology ventures and skill development for founders. This 12-week program is particularly beneficial for businesses starting out and assisting in formulating a ‘napkin idea’ into a fully realized business model.
• Techstars' Physical Health Fort Worth accelerator focuses on addressing the challenges and opportunities that exist in the physical health industry.