Fulshear-Katy Community Guide & Directory 2023-24

Starting a Business in the Fulshear-Katy Area by Mara Soloway

Harris County Office of Economic Development 1001 Preston, Suite 500 Houston, TX 77002 713-274-1400

promoting their business long before they have an online or a brick-and mortar presence. “Once a person decides what kind of business they want to have, they should start promoting it a good six months before they open. Joining the Fulshear Katy Area Chamber of Commerce helps them take advantage of the growth in our area and connects them to community,” McCoy says. As a catalyst to help a business grow, the Chamber has tools to help generate traffic to a member’s website and front door, such as introductions, coupons, fliers online, a marketing landing page and placement in the business directory. With its expanded social media efforts and digital marketing strategy, the Chamber enhances the visibility of its more than 640 members, aided by its 30,000-plus social media followers that provide it with a high number of Facebook and Instagram engagements. Other innovative and cost-effective measures used to engage its members with each other and with the community can be found under the Membership tab at fulshearkaty.com. They include: • Key Member Services and Benefits include a community advertising program, video profiles, coupon booklet, job board, tradeshow and tourism assistance, and various prospecting tool, among others. • Visit the Member Classroom and Support to learn about how all of your local advertising is included with your membership and see member examples. Member businesses are also encouraged to show their investment in the community by sponsoring local events such as holiday celebrations and school activities. “If your business is successful, the Chamber is also going to be successful, and that helps the whole community,” McCoy says. “Never discount the power of your local Chamber of Commerce.” Learn more fulshearkaty.com 832-600-3221 fulshearkaty@gmail.com

hcoed.harriscountytx.gov Waller County Economic Development Partnership 519 9th St. Hempstead, TX 77445 979-921-9059 wallercounty.org West Houston Association

Memorial City Plaza Two 820 Gessner, Suite 1310 Houston, TX 77024 713-461-9378 westhouston.org THE FULSHEAR-KATY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce promotes economic growth of its local business community through networking, advocacy, education, marketing and community engagement. It also benefits those in community looking for specific types of vendors. The Chamber works closely with the cities of Fulshear, Katy, Brookshire, Pattison and Simonton, and it serves north Fort Bend, south Waller and western Harris counties. President and CEO Don McCoy’s background includes more than 45 years of media advertising, marketing and business consulting experience. McCoy notes that studies on chamber of commerce effectiveness show that a consumer is 80 percent more likely to patronize a business if it is a chamber member, and its reputation increases by almost 70 percent. “Our Chamber benefits our members in so many ways. Through monthly meetings and extensive partnerships, members connect with other business owners and local leaders who might turn out to be good clients and help create buzz for their business,” he says. “The Chamber also has the relationships with local, state and federal leaders to help members when necessary.”

T he Fulshear-Katy area is a prime example of economic growth and development. To join the growing ranks of business owners here, entrepreneurs need to take several steps mandated by the State of Texas. Its website, at gov.texas.gov/ business, gives information on relevant topics such as financing, registering a business, tax responsibilities, getting professional legal guidance, and licenses and permits. Information on obtaining a Federal EIN (FEIN) Number can be found at www. irs-taxid-number.com. LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTS The economic development departments of Fulshear, Katy and Simonton have resources for potential business owners of brick-and-mortar, home-based or service-area business. Contact the staff with questions about locating or expanding your business:

FULSHEAR fulsheartexas.gov/businesses 281-346-8874 ecodev@fulsheartexas.gov KATY katyedc.org 281-391-4800 planning@cityofkaty.com SIMONTON simontontexas.gov/page/edc (281) 533-9809 info@simontontexas.gov OTHER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-491-0800 FortBendChamber.com Fort Bend Economic Development Council One Fluor Daniel Dr. Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-242-0000 fortbendcounty.org

McCoy advises that a prospective business owner needs to begin