As a longtime community bank, we know how to help Houston small businesses through hard times. In this article, you’ll find information and resources to help your operation reopen and recover from the challenges of the pandemic. Have questions? Our relationship bankers are always happy to help.

Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas

As of June 3, Governor Greg Abbott moved Texas into the third phase of reopening. This means revisions of previous restrictions on business and industry, as well as new additions to the checklist of what’s open. View the complete Open Texas Checklist here.

Governor Abbott also stated that “As we open Texas, we are each called upon to be Texans: to act responsibly as we re-engage in the economy, to continue following all health precautions and sanitizing guidelines, and to care for our vulnerable neighbors. Lives depend on our actions. I know you will respond as Texans.”

The Governor’s strikeforce brings together a group of industry leaders and experts to focus on Economic Revitalization, Health Care, and Education.

Help for Small Businesses in Texas

Texans are coming together to help local small businesses recover. Here are the best organizations to turn to for funding and support.

  • The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of coronavirus loan resources.
  • The University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network has a list of COVID-19 grants for Houston small businesses.
  • The WBEA Women’s Business Center is currently offering a variety of virtual resources to support women entrepreneurs as well as men with starting and running a small business.
  • Central Bank maintains a helpful Resources page for Houston businesses, including information on the PPP loan.
  • The Greater Houston Partnership has a Business Recovery Center page with updated “guidance on policy and financing related to recovery programs.”

Tips for Rebuilding Your Small Business in Houston

As Houston reopens for business, it’s important to rebuild your own small business in a deliberate and strategic way. For example, two Houston-area businesses had their permits suspended for not following protocols around safe operation during Coronavirus. Reopening in a hasty manner and not following guidelines can be more damaging to your business than staying closed. Here’s how to get it right:

  • On June 19th, County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed an order requiring all businesses in Harris County to have employees and customers wear face coverings. Learn more about how to safely and legally reopen your business from the Houston Work Safe Program.
  • How will you implement safety protocols such as social distancing? Think through what this will look like for your business and plan accordingly.
  • Analyze your financial situation. Update Profit and Loss and Cash Flow Statements to compare with last year’s numbers. Adjust your budget to account for reopening costs and decide whether you need additional funding.
  • Stay informed. Using the resources listed in this article, stay updated on the latest news and regulations for Houston small businesses. Things can change quickly and businesses must stay nimble in this time of Coronavirus.

Central Bank is Here to Help Houston Small Businesses

As a relationship bank, we are here for our business clients through ups and downs. All of our branches are now reopened for regular business hours. Call or visit your nearest Central Bank location in the Lower Heights, Post Oaks, Heights, or West Houston today to discuss your business’s financial needs and possible solutions.