Small Business Resources

Database Resources

The Library offers access to a variety of business databases that can assist business owners in completing market research, finding competitors, or staying up to date on the latest business news.

Federal and State Assistance Programs

Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The final version of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed by Congress into law on March 18 and will go into effect April 2, 2020. The FFCR Act requires employers to provide sick paid leave, family leave, or paid medical leave for qualifying reasons related to COVID-19.

Small Business Owners’ Guide to the CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides for capital to cover costs for retaining employees, emergency economic injury grants, small business debt relief, and free small business counseling. 

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is providing free online training to help local officials understand, acquire, and administer federal assistance available through the CARES Act.


Layoffs and Reduced Hours

Texas Workforce Commission Mass Claims
For employers or businesses facing layoffs, the Mass Claims program allows users to easily submit employee information to the Texas Workforce Commission. Initiating the claims process on behalf of the employees can help individuals access their unemployment benefits.

Call the Mass Claims Coordinator at 512-463-2999
Email: ui.massclaims@twc.state.tx.us


Texas Workforce Commission Shared Work Program
The Shared Work Program allows employers and businesses to minimize the impact of reduced business hours or prevent employee layoffs. It can allow employers to reduce employee hours and use partial unemployment benefits to replace lost wages, among other alternatives.  

Call TWC’s Shared Work Department at 512-340-4337
Email: ui.sharedwork@twc.state.tx.us


Loans, Grants, and Financial Assistance 

Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a government agency focused on providing aid and resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SBA is providing low-interest disaster loans to help the recovery and prevent the loss of businesses and homes. 

To apply directly visit: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

Business & Community Lenders
Business & Community Lenders (BCL) of Texas is a nonprofit organization providing "lending, homeownership, entrepreneurship, and community development programs" across the state. BCL focuses on connecting businesses and employers with resources, grants, and loan opportunities available for recovery aid. 

BCL Dallas Office, please call: 1-877-688-7457


COVID Planning and Response

Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the government agency tasked with handling any natural and manmade disasters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA encourages businesses to use their Emergency Planning Exercises online to create a business/employer response to prepare and protect employees during a crisis. 

CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the leading national public health institute of the United States. The CDC has guidance for employers and businesses in creating plans and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide safe working environments that minimize or lower exposure to the virus.

The Maker Spot

The Maker Spot

The Maker Spot is a 4,500 ft2 community workspace on the 2nd floor of the Library, providing access to equipment like sewing machines, 3D printers, iMacs with the Adobe Creative Suite, and large format printers. Learn new skills that can help your business by taking one of our free classes in The Maker Spot. Classes cover a variety of topics and are offered based on volunteer and staff availability. Check our calendar for upcoming classes.

The Small Business Center

The Small Business Center located on the second floor in the North Richland Hills Library offers expert guidance, access to valuable resources, and education for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Tarrant County Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

small business development center, sbdc, tarrant county, logo


The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is currently the largest management assistance program serving the business sector in the United States. Implementation of the program, upon completion of the annual Cooperative Agreement, rests within each SBDC State or Region Director and the sponsoring organization. 

What is Offered

The Tarrant SBDC assists existing and prospective small business owners by offering a wide variety of services that include one-on-one advising, assistance with financing, accounting, market research, business plan development, and marketing.

Schedule an Appointment

Request an appointment online or call the Tarrant SBDC at 817-515-2603. The Library's in-house SBDC adviser is Cynthia Harnest, 817-515-2608.

Service Corps Of Retired Executives
(SCORE)

SCORE


SCORE is an affiliate partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE is the best source of free and confidential small business advice to help you build your business—from idea to start-up to success.

What Is Offered

SCORE volunteers offer expert, confidential, one-on-one counseling, and guidance to small businesses or people thinking of starting a business.

Schedule an Appointment

Call the SCORE main office at 817-871-6002 to schedule an appointment.