Rockdale is growing, and the Rockdale MDD is here to help you start a new business in town, from your first plan to your grand opening. Already in business? See Grow a Business.
Rockdale Is Growing
New employers, new neighborhoods, and new investment are bringing more people and activity to Rockdale.
Starting a Business in Rockdale
Follow these steps to get from idea to open doors. Call us at any point along the way.
Talk with us and plan
Call the MDD office to talk through your idea, then build a business plan with free help from the SBDC or SCORE.
Form your business
Register your business entity with the state and get a federal tax ID.
Get your sales tax permit
Most businesses selling goods or taxable services in Texas need one.
Check zoning and permits
Before you sign a lease or start work, confirm zoning with the City and get your building permits and certificate of occupancy.
Line up financing
Talk with a local bank, an SBA lender, or a community lender. See the financing resources below.
Apply for MDD grants
Apply for a BIIG grant before work begins, so your project can be fully reimbursed.
Open and grow
Join the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, apply for a Digital Marketing Grant after your first year, and call Workforce Solutions when you’re ready to hire.
How We Help
Grants for Local Businesses
Building Improvement Incentive Grant (BIIG)
Matching grants for façade improvements (50%, up to $10,000), building improvements (15%, up to $15,000), and property redevelopment.
Digital Marketing Grant
A $750 reimbursement for locally owned businesses that hire a professional for video, photography, digital ads, websites, or branding.
Resources for Entrepreneurs
Click a category to see the resources in it.
Business counseling(3)
- Brazos Valley SBDC ↗Free one-on-one business advising, business plans, and training.
- SCORE ↗Free mentoring from experienced business owners and executives.
- Texas Veterans Commission ↗Business support for veteran entrepreneurs.
Getting set up(5)
- Texas Secretary of State ↗Form an LLC, corporation, or other business entity.
- IRS Employer ID Number (EIN) ↗Free federal tax ID for your business.
- Texas Comptroller ↗Sales and use tax permits.
- City of Rockdale ↗Zoning, building permits, and certificates of occupancy.
- Rockdale Chamber of Commerce ↗Networking, events, and local business promotion.
Specialized help(5)
- APEX Accelerators ↗Free help selling to federal, state, and local governments, including defense.
- Texas HUB Program ↗Certification for minority-, woman-, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses selling to Texas agencies.
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ↗Food safety and cottage food guidance for food startups.
- Baylor BRIC Startup Support ↗Support for technology and product startups.
- Workforce Solutions of Central Texas ↗Hiring help and training funds when you’re ready to add staff.
Financing(4)
- U.S. Small Business Administration ↗Guaranteed small business loans, including 7(a) and 504 loans.
- USDA Rural Development ↗Loan guarantees and programs for rural businesses.
- PeopleFund ↗Small business loans and coaching across Texas.
- LiftFund ↗Small business loans for entrepreneurs who may not qualify for a bank loan.
Local banks(3)
- Classic Bank ↗Local bank.
- Citizens National Bank ↗Local bank.
- Rockdale Federal Credit Union ↗Local credit union.
Angel investors(9)
- Central Texas Angel Network ↗Austin-based angel investor network.
- Aggie Angel Network ↗Texas A&M-affiliated angel investors.
- Ambassadors Impact Network ↗Faith-based angel investors.
- Artemis Fund ↗Invests in women entrepreneurs.
- Baylor Angel Network ↗Baylor-affiliated angel investors.
- Pipeline Angels ↗Invests in women and non-binary entrepreneurs.
- Seed Round Capital ↗Early-stage investors.
- SWAN Impact Network ↗Impact-focused angel investors.
- Texas HALO Fund ↗Texas angel investment fund.
Attorneys and accountants: call the MDD office for a referral to local professionals.
Ready to talk about your business? Call the MDD office at 512-446-2111.
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