City of Houston

ONE STOP
BUSINESS CENTER

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
AND CONTRACT COMPLIANCE DIVISION
Velma J. Laws, Director

832.393.0954
3.1.1
One Stop Business Center (OSBC)

THE ONE STOP BUSINESS CENTER IS A FREE

INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE FOR NEW,
EXPANDING, AND RELOCATING BUSINESSES IN THE
HOUSTON REGION. THE CENTER IS UNIQUE IN TEXAS.
ONE STOP BUSINESS CENTER
Services

INFORMATION: Provides concise information in one place

ASSISTANCE: Helps businesses concentrate on marketing,

competition and growth issues

COMPLIANCE: Helps businesses comply with local, state, and

federal permits, licenses and requirements. We refer businesses to govt.
agencies for detailed requirements
ONE STOP BUSINESS CENTER
Services

PUBLICATIONS: “SOURCES of ASSISTANCE” and

“CONTRACTING GUIDE” for companies selling products or services to the
City of Houston

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Provides referrals to sources of

technical assistance, counseling, mentoring, networking, incubators,
workshops, and education

FINANCING INFO: Provides information on financing programs

and local incentives for small businesses
ONE STOP BUSINESS CENTER
Services

MWDBE/SBE: Refers Minority, Women, and financially disadvantaged

businesses to certification, HUB programs, and government contracting
opportunities

DCA: Provides trouble shooting and liaison- DCA

WORKSHOPS: Hosts business workshops co-sponsored by Houston Public

Library and other agencies.

SCORE: Hosts SCORE counseling service in the City Hall Annex.

 The Getting Started Packet

PACKET IS UNIQUE AND FREE OF CHARGE

GETTING STARTED PACKET CONTAINS INFORMATION

ON PERMITS AND LICENSES NECESSARY TO OPERATE A
BUSINESS IN HOUSTON/HARRIS COUNTY. The paper
version of the GSP is geared towards permitting and regulatory
issues, while the online version (more complete) has additional
details and in-depth materials. - Also available
on CD -
 Referrals to Regulatory Agencies

OSBC refers people to government agencies for

permits, licenses, regulations, forms,
applications, ordinances and statutes, as well as
fee schedules.

THESE ARE OFTEN AVAILABLE FREE OF

CHARGE ON THE AGENCY WEBSITE. (In-depth
information is best provided by the administering agency.)
 PUBLICATIONS and CD’s
AAD's Sources of Assistance &
Contracting Guide

The OSBC updates and publishes 2 great resources for potential vendors with the City of
Houston:

SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE: A comprehensive guide to resources for

MWDBE-SBE certified companies in Houston.

CONTRACTING GUIDE: For businesses selling goods and services to the

City of Houston. Lists all COH personnel who interface with vendors, with phone
numbers and addresses.

Available in hard copy, CD, or on the COH website.

www.houstontx.gov/aacc/index.html
Technical Assistance, Education,
and Training Referrals

OSBC refers clients to Houston area sources of free or low cost

technical or management assistance, educational opportunities,
seminars and workshops, and business plan support.

SCORE
UH SBDC
Internal Revenue Service
TSU Economic Development Center
Minority Business Enterprise Center
Executive Service Corps (non-profits)
Employer Training, EEO, and ADA Compliance Section –
COH/AAD, www.oshacampus.com
Loan Information and Referrals

OSBC provides information on public loan programs and business

incentives, including the SBA, Houston Business Development, and
others. One Stop DOES NOT provide direct private lender
referrals- you must contact a private lender or the SBA for
referrals.

The Houston SBA office maintains a list of Preferred Certified

Lenders and Microloan companies. Call them at 713.773.6500 for
private lender referrals.

OSBC DOES NOT PROVIDE

BUSINESS FINANCING!!
 Grant Information (Financing)

Basic grant resources for small businesses:

www.grants.gov (good general resource)
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (www.cfda.gov)
The Foundation Center (foundationcenter.org)
www.business.gov
www.houstonlibrary.org
City of Houston Housing and
Community Development Dept. (CDBG Grants)
www.sba.gov/services/financialassistance/grants/index.html

NOTE: Grants are normally unavailable for start up companies.

Before you pay someone promising grant money, contact the Texas
Attorney General and check on their complaint record (713.223.5886).
Also contact the Houston Better Business Bureau @ 713-868-9500.
 Business Plan Basics

Creates an organized view of your business ideas

Helps identify your business’ strengths and weaknesses, as well as your
experience
Provides direction and contingencies
Provides an analysis of the target market
Describes your product, service, and pricing structure
A review of the management team and practices
Identifies capital requirements at start up and in the future

SOURCES: UHSBDC, SCORE, SBA WEBSITE (business plan software)

 FREE Pre-Certification
Workshops
MWDBE / SBE / PWDBE

FREE Pre-Certification Workshop Thursdays from

2 - 4 pm at the Affirmative Action Office, 611 Walker, 7 th Floor,
Downtown Houston. Parking nearby (charge- call for directions).

How-to do business with the City of Houston and other agencies who
recognize COH certification.

Also provides hands-on assistance with forms and applications for

certification, and explains various goals and contracting opportunities.

CALL: 713-837-9000
 Doing Business with
the City of Houston

Suppliers and contractors interested in selling products and services to the City of
Houston must submit a Supplier Registration Form. Before issuing a purchase order
or award, all vendors must be issued a vendor number. This registration serves
several other purposes:
Identifies you as a potential bidder
Captures contact information about your business
Identifies your company with required products and/or services.

SOURCE: purchasing.houstontx.gov/index.html

832-393-8800
 CITY OF HOUSTON
Online Purchasing Catalog

The Strategic Purchasing Division’s online

purchasing catalog contains various categories of
commodities, which have been competitively bid
and awarded by the City.

Identify potential opportunities, and participate

in the competitive bid process!!

Catalog: http://purchasing.houstontx.gov/catalog/
 SCORE
Management Counseling

SCORE is "Counselors to America's Small Business“-

professionals with knowledge who donate their time to help
businesses succeed. Counselors are experts in accounting,
finance, marketing, management and business plan preparation.
All counseling is FREE OF CHARGE.
OSBC has a SCORE counselor at its City Hall Annex office
weekly, for one-hour appointments, or at the main SCORE office
at 8701 S. Gessner (713-773-6565)

Call 832-393-0954 to make an appointment!

www.scorehouston,.org
 OSBC FREE WORKSHOPS
and Programs

Contact ONE STOP for dates and times for upcoming business workshops. We do
topic based (Ex: “Business Planning and Financing” or “Franchising”) and
general introductions to our services, as well as services offered by SCORE and
the Houston Public Library. Contact us if you’d like a program produced in your
community! Call us at 832-393-0954 for dates and times.

www.houstontx.gov/onestop/index.html

TWITTER: twitter.com/ONESTOPBUSINESS

FACEBOOK: HOUSTON ONE STOP BUSINESS CENTER

CITIZENS NET (sign up page) cohapp.cityofhouston.gov/citizensnet/

Contact Information & Location
One Stop Business Center

WHERE: CITY HALL ANNEX, 900 BAGBY STREET

HOURS: 7:30am - 5pm, Monday-Friday
PHONE: 832.393.0954
FAX: 832.393.0952
TDD/TTY: 3-1-1
EMAIL: onestopbusinesscenter@cityofhouston.net

Contact us!!
Getting Started Packet
Contents

• Minimum Requirements
• City, County Requirements
• Local And State Regulations
• Federal Regulations
• Employer Responsibilities
• Workplace Posters / Contract Labor
 Minimum Requirements
(Common Filings)

 DBA- HARRIS / FT. BEND COUNTY CLERK *

 STATE SALES TAX PERMIT- TEXAS STATE COMPTROLLER *
 EIN-FEDERAL TAXPAYER ID- INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE *
 PROPERTY RENDITION- HARRIS / FT. BEND COUNTY
APPRAISAL DISTRICT (After Jan. 1 of each year)
 CORPORATIONS, LLC’s- TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE *
 EMPLOYER-RELATED FILINGS SEPARATE (See GSP)

*
 DBA’s / Assumed Names

TITLE 1 - TEXAS UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE

CH. 36. ASSUMED BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL NAME

Any person who regularly conducts business or renders professional services

other than as a corporation, limited partnership, registered limited liability
partnership, or limited liability company in Texas under an assumed name shall
file in the office of the county clerk in each county in which such person has or
will maintain business or professional premises or, if no business or professional
premises are or will be maintained in any county, in each county where such
person conducts business or renders a professional service. (excerpt)

SOURCE: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/txstatutes/BC/5/A/71
 Commercial Permitting
(ARA)

ARA (Administrative and Regulatory Affairs) engages in

compliance investigations, permit processing and fee
collection activities associated with over 50 various
commercial permits.

•Common Market (Flea) •Second hand dealer

•Mini warehouse
•Coin operated machines
•Roadside vendors
•Dance halls
•Loudspeaker operation
•Charitable solicitation
•Gold and silver
•Scrap metal processor
•Alcoholic beverages
•Antique dealers
•Carnival
•Garage and yard sales

LOCATION: 611 Walker, 2nd Floor – 713.837.9555

 Building/Structure Permit Basics
(COH)

• New construction of buildings or structures

• Alterations, repairs or additions to existing buildings or structures,
exterior remodels, alterations or repairs
• Changes in the use or occupancy of an existing building or
structure
• Interior tenant lease build-outs, remodeling and repairs
• Moving/relocating/demolishing existing buildings
• Fences over 8' high or concrete or masonry fences
• Driveways and sidewalks, parking lot paving and repairs

PWE: 713-535-7800
 Occupancy Inspection Basics
(COH)

• A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is needed if a commercial

building or lease space is occupied, or if changes to an existing
occupancy type are made.
• If no Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is posted the owner or agent is
given a 10-day notice to apply and pay fees. If the owner or agent fails to
comply, citations may be issued each day until the application is
received by the City.

• Residential dwellings and garages , sheds, and carports are exempt from
needing CO’s

Call PWE: 713-535-7730

 State of Texas Requirements
(Examples- not a comprehensive listing)

TCEQ: Environmental permits and licenses, dry cleaners, printing shops, a/c servicing,
underground storage tanks, gas stations, auto dealers, waste hauling.

DPS: Auto glass, hazmat, vehicle inspection, concealed handguns

TxDOT: Oversize loads, aviation, trucking, vans, buses
Consumer Credit Commission: Registered creditors, pawn shops
Family and Protective Services: Day care, adoption, group homes

Licensing and Regulation: Employment services, cosmetology, talent agents, electricians,

staff leasing, plumbing, a/c installers, combative sports, career counseling, refrigeration installers,
court interpreters.

TABC: Alcoholic beverages, breweries, lab alcohol

TDSHS: Counselors, therapists, nursing homes, paramedics, athletic trainers

Agriculture Dept.: Nursery and floral, weights and measures, aquaculture

 Federal Requirements
(Examples- not a comprehensive listing)

Customs and Border Patrol: Import licensing, port security

International Trade Administration: Exporting activities
EPA: Hazmat, environmental pollution sources
Federal Trade Commission: Mail order, used car sales,
appliance labeling, care labeling, advertising
Food and Drug Administration: Food and drug manufacturing and
labeling
OSHA: Workplace safety
Treasury Department: Check cashing, travel agencies
USDA: Animal and plant inspection, food inspection
USPTO: Patents and trademarks
 Permits and Licenses
Name Changes / New Applications

Some existing permits and licenses can be re-issued with a new

applicant’s business and owner name. Call the issuing agency to
determine if you must reapply for a specific permit under a new
name or if it can be transferred.

EVERY LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCY HAS DIFFERENT RULES AND
REQUIREMENTS FOR REAPPLICATION. YOU MUST CONTACT THEM AFTER
AN INVENTORY OF EXISTING PERMITS AND LICENSES. FEES AND WAITING
PERIOD INFORMATION IS ALSO AVAILABLE.

DO NOT ASSUME YOU CAN REGISTER A SIMPLE NAME CHANGE IF

YOU BUY AN EXISTING BUSINESS.
 Federal / State Minimum Wage

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal minimum
wage for nonexempt employees will increase to $7.25 per hour
effective July 24, 2009.

The Texas State minimum wage law does not contain

current dollar minimums. Instead the State adopts the Federal
minimum wage rate by reference.

SOURCE: www.dol.gov/esa/minwage/america.htm#Texas

Employees whose jobs are governed by the FLSA are either "exempt" or "nonexempt."
Nonexempt employees are entitled to overtime pay. Exempt employees are not. Most
employees covered by the FLSA are nonexempt.
 FAQ - Are Permits, Licenses and
Regulations the Same Thing?

NO!!
Business licenses and permits can
vary by type of business, range of
activities, and enforcing
jurisdiction.
A business may not be issued a
license or a permit (for a fee) but
still be regulated by some level of
government.
EXAMPLE
Mail Order businesses do not
receive an actual permit or license
but are regulated by the US
Federal Trade Commission
through their “Mail Order Rule”
www.ftc.gov
 Texas Deceptive Trade
Practices Act - DTPA

The primary purpose of the DTPA is to protect consumers against false,

misleading, and deceptive business and insurance practices,
unconscionable actions, and breaches of warranty. It does so by
prohibiting certain acts and practices that tend to deceive and mislead
consumers. Most consumer transactions are covered by the DTPA.
Although the DTPA does not cover every deceptive or unconscionable act
or practice, it is quite broad.

SOURCES:
http://library.findlaw.com/2000/Mar/1/130722.html (and)
http://www.texasbar.com/
 Is There a General
Business License in Houston??

There is NO “general business license” issued by the COH. DBAs, State

Sales Tax Permits, or EINs are NOT business licenses. They are business-
specific and issued individually based on business type and range of
activities. BUSINESSES DO NOT REQUIRE THE SAME PERMITS
AND LICENSES.

DBAs (or assumed names) are not proof of an operational business. People can
register more than one DBA and there is no requirement to transact business.
Therefore, DBA’s are seldom accepted as proof of such.
 Do All Similar Businesses Have
Similar Regulatory Requirements?

No!
Similar business types can be located across the street from one another yet be
in different cities or counties- thus having different requirements.
EXAMPLE…
License and Permit Comparison

FF 1 (COH)
New structure, no alcohol, contract labor, no grease
trap, signs, incorporated, wastewater impact fees,
occupancy certificate, food dealer, burglar alarm.

FF 2 (HC)
Existing structure, alcohol, employees, grease trap,
seafood, signs, sole proprietor, MUD (water/sewer),
food dealer, burglar alarm.
 Home-Based vs. Lease Space?

HOME-BASED
Check deed restrictions
Low capital start-up
Some tax deductions
Part-time operation possible
Flexible hours LEASE SPACE
Family-friendly
Easily identifiable
location
Customer traffic allowed
Signage
Inventory space
Fewer distractions
Higher capital start-up
 Deed Restrictions- I

The City of Houston is UNZONED. Houston enforces deed restrictions

for the protection of citizens and property owners in residential
neighborhoods. All residents and citizens benefit, and it promotes the
health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the city.

PLEASE CONTACT THE

DEED RESTRICTION HOTLINE AT 832.393.6333
 Deed Restrictions- II

BEFORE OPERATING FROM A HOME:

1. Are you operating a business?

2. Are you generating customer traffic?

3. Are there current deed restrictions and will they allow or disallow the
operation of a business?

4. Is your specific type of business allowed or disallowed?

5. Are the deed restrictions void through non-enforcement or expiration?

 Obtaining Deed Restrictions

 Included with legal papers when real property was purchased.

 Part of a lease or rental agreement, by reference.
 Obtain from area homeowners association or civic club.
 Obtain from the applicable County Clerk Office (must have property
legal description). In Harris Co.
call 713-755-6899 (Real Property Records- fee for copies).
 Zoning Ordinances and
‘No Zoning Letter’

Houston is the largest city in the United States without a formal zoning ordinance.
There ARE specific development regulations however. Contact the Planning and
Development Department (at 713-837-7701) for information, or for a copy of the
NO ZONING LETTER.

2010 City of Houston NO ZONING LETTER:

http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/forms/2010NoZoningLetter.pdf

Harris County NO ZONING LETTER:

http://www.hctx.net/cmpdocuments/103/economic%20development/zoneletterharriscounty.pdf
 “No Zoning Letter”
(Actual Text- COH)

“The City of Houston does not have a zoning ordinance. This is the
city of Houston’s no zoning letter applicable to any property inside
the City of Houston. This does not address any separately filed
restrictions that may be applicable to the property. You may use
this letter to present to your lender. This letter will be updated on
January 1, 2011.”

“All applicable development regulations and

subdivisions laws can be obtained through a review of
the City Code of Ordinances, which is located on the
City of Houston Internet site accessed through
www.houstonplanning.com or www.houstontx.gov”
Commonly Requested Business Types
One Stop Business Center

•RESTAURANTS
•DAY CARE
•INSURANCE
•VAN-CAR POOL
•CLEANING/JANITORIAL/MAID
•CONSULTING
•BEAUTY/BARBER
•AUTO REPAIR/DEALER
•FREIGHT SERVICES
•CLOTHING RETAIL
•CONTRACTORS
•RECORD LABEL
•FURNITURE SALES
•MAIL ORDER
 Statistics
One Stop Business Center

 90% New Businesses

 50% Home-based businesses
 75% Within Houston City Limits
 75% No Employees (sole owner)
 40% Originate at the DBA Office (HCC)
 75% Sole Proprietorship-General Partnership
 550-700+ Clients / Month (GSP’s delivered)
 Strategic Partners

 US SBA / SCORE
 UH Small Business Development Center
 Houston/Ft. Bend County Public Libraries
 TSU Economic Development Center
 Houston Business Development, Inc.
 Harris County Clerk / Texas State Comptroller
 Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum
 Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
 UH Veterans' Services Office
 For More Information

Call ONE STOP BUSINESS CENTER:

832-393-0954 (311)

To download a copy of this presentation:

www.houstontx.gov/onestop

(Updated 5-10)