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Small Business Programs

Specialty Programs  

Sell your products and services to federal, state and local government agencies, pursue international markets, receive free technical engineering assistance, or obtain discounted professional services through our specialty programs.  If you are looking to expand your market and have decided that the state or federal government is the place for your goods or services, let the SHSU SBDC help guide you through the steps and paperwork. Our consultants make navigating through the process quick and easy. If you are interested in selling to the government, give us a call at (936) 294-3737 and let us work for you.

State of Texas

There are two avenues to consider when selling to the Lone Star State.  Utilize the Central Master Bidders List (CMBL) and/or get certified as a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB), both managed through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

The CMBL is a master database of companies used by State of Texas purchasing entities to send vendors notification of bid opportunities based on the products or services they can provide to the State of Texas.

Manufacturers, suppliers, and other vendors wishing to furnish materials, equipment, supplies, and services to the state should register for the CMBL to receive notices of bidding opportunities.  Annual registration/renewal fees are required and may be paid on-line by credit/debit card or check debit (US addresses only) or via a printable application. Online Application

HUB Certification is a business designation that is determined by the business owner's status:

  • must be at least 51% owned by an Asian Pacific American, Black American, Hispanic American, Native American and/or American woman; 
  • is an entity with its principal place of business in Texas; and
  • has an owner residing in Texas with a proportionate interest who actively participates in the control, operations and management of the entity’s affairs.

The statewide HUB Program facilitates the use of HUBs in state procurement and provides information on the state’s procurement process to minority and woman-owned businesses. Find out more about the HUB Certification program.

Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
Interested in selling to federal, state or local government agencies? The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), a specialty center of the UH Small Business Development Center Network, can help you develop effective marketing techniques and assist you in finding contract opportunities matched to your company’s capabilities. PTAC‘s free consulting and low cost technical assistance is available to businesses in 45 counties between and around the major cities of Houston and Austin in the Southeast Texas area.  Learn more about PTAC.

International Trade Center (ITC)
Need help identifying business opportunities in foreign markets? The International Trade Center (ITC), a specialty program of the UH Small Business Development Center Network, guides small and medium-sized companies through the process of entering the international trade arena.  ITC also offers low-cost training seminars focused on trade issues and no-cost loan packaging support to help your business obtain export financing.  Learn more about ITC. 

Innovation and Technology

Looking for funding to help with the research and development of an innovative technology?  Look into the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technolgy Transfer (STTR) programs. Find out about the various federal agencies that participate, and learn if you are eligible to apply for SBIR or STTR funding.  Learn more about SBIR.

Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP)
Perhaps your small business is facing a technical challenge and you are unsure where to turn for assistance. SATOP may hold the key. This NASA-funded program provides a small business up to 40 hours of technical support utilizing the resources and engineering expertise of NASA and participating NASA contractors. And, the technical assistance is FREE!  Learn more about SATOP.