Small Shops - Big Wins: How Small Business Lifts Texas Communities
December 9, 2025
Organization
The Catholic Action Network
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Secretary of State Jane Nelson recently announced that the Lone Star State has surpassed 3 million active, registered businesses1. Of these organizations, approximately 99.8% are small enterprises2. As a globally recognized leader in economic development and the 8th largest economy in the world, much of this success is driven by the state’s robust small business sector3. Due to a welcoming business environment – no state income tax, large and growing workforce, capital markets, land abundance, seaport access – entrepreneurs and corporations are choosing Texas to start and expand their businesses. Through job creation, multiplier effects, reinforced supply chains, and expansion, small organizations have strengthened communities throughout the state and helped make Texas an economic power.
West Texas Speech, a speech therapy practice based in Odessa, specializes in language, orofacial, and articulation disorders4. Since 2016, when the organization was founded, West Texas Speech has grown its staff by 10% annually4. Additionally, due to the construction of their 1.2 million-dollar clinic and the recirculation of funds locally, known as multiplier effects, Odessa benefits as well4. For example, engineering, electrical, and plumbing businesses received a fee for their assistance in the clinic’s construction, employees of these firms were paid a wage for their services, and the employees then spent the wages on groceries, entertainment, and retail goods, thereby supporting the local economy.
In Houston, Velour Imports is taking an innovative approach to the import/export business through digital supply chains5. Created in 2013, the firm offers various craft beers, wines, spirits, and cider to international wholesalers through their online platform5. Working with a variety of hotels, breweries, and associations, Velour is strengthening logistical networks both domestically and abroad. Through the stabilization and reinforcement of these supply chains, businesses experience less disruption to operations and, therefore, less disruption to cash flow. Over time, as procurement networks become more efficient and costs decrease, businesses, communities, and consumers will benefit from the lower prices.
WYCOTAX, established in 2014, offers estimates for business and personal income tax, as well as payroll, notary, and other business services6. Located in Harlingen, a second facility was later opened in Brownsville, where employee count grew from two to ten6. With the possibility of additional expansion in the future, WYCOTAX is helping to create employment opportunities throughout South Texas and bolstering the Rio Grande Valley economy.
Through job creation, recirculation, reinforcement of supply chains, and expansion, the contributions of small businesses to the Texas economy are profound. While this information may be interesting from an economic perspective, ultimately, these developments translate to stable communities, opportunities for professional growth, and a better quality of life for Texans.
If you or someone you know is interested in starting a business in Texas, please review the links below for more information.
· Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
· Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office
· Texas Economic Development Corporation
· Texas Economic Development Council
· U.S. Small Business Administration
About the Author
Calvin Pacleb is a consultant within the private equity industry, and Founder of The Catholic Action Network - a 501(c)(4) nonprofit. His professional focus centers on financial systems and operations. Calvin’s articles cover economic development and the common good. For consulting, media, and general inquiries, please email: cpacleb@thecatholicactionnetwork.org.
References
1. Office of the Governor of Texas. (2025, November 5). Governor Abbott celebrates over 3 million active Texas business entities [Press release]. https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-celebrates-over-3-million-active-texas-business-entities
2. U.S. Small Business Administration. (2024). 2024 Small Business Profile: United States. https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Texas_2025-State-Profile.pdf
3. Texas Economic Development Corporation. (n.d.). Texas economic strength. Business in Texas. https://businessintexas.com/why-texas/economic-strength/
4. U.S. Small Business Administration. (n.d.). Latina-owned business thriving in the Permian Basin. https://www.sba.gov/success-story/latina-owned-business-thriving-permian-basin
5. U.S. Small Business Administration. (n.d.). Velour Imports. https://www.sba.gov/success-story/velour-imports
6. U.S. Small Business Administration. (n.d.). WBC client expands to second location after completing Entrepreneurial “Boot Camp”. https://www.sba.gov/success-story/wbc-client-expands-second-location-after-completing-entrepreneurial-boot-camp