Skip to main content

Houston Small Businesses Play Vital Role in the Region’s Economy

Published May 27, 2020 by Kelsey Seeker

Houston’s small business community plays an integral role in both the local economy and the city's vibrant quality of life. This community is driven by diverse owners and is a leading source of job creation and innovation. In fact, Houston's small business community represents a vast majority of establishments within the greater Houston SMA.

Small Business Presence in Houston 

According to the US Census' County Business Patterns, 97% of Houston businesses have fewer than 100 employees and 70% have fewer than 10. Businesses with fewer than 100 employees make up more than 50% of Houston’s workforce. These numbers reflect a powerful engine influencing employment, entrepreneurship and policy.  

In addition to small employers, there are over 627,000 non-employee businesses in the Houston region. Think freelancers, contractors and self-employed Houstonians. These companies have no paid employees but generate at least $1,000 in income annually. Overall, non-employer businesses in the Houston region generate $31.1 billion in annual revenue.  

Houston also ranks among the top 20 cities where small-business owners are thriving, with a startup density of 92.6 startups for every 1,000 businesses. Startups help diversify the region’s economy and foster innovation, strengthening the economy in more ways than one.

Supporting Small Business During COVID-19 

The COVID-19 crisis poses mounting challenges for small businesses here and across the country. With more than 1,000 member companies representing one-quarter of the region's workforce, the Partnership has long been a trusted advocate for the business community and this pandemic is no different.  

In addition to offering member support through COVID-19, the Partnership has created a hub of small business resources that includes vital information and resources.

We have also shifted our Small Biz Insider digital series to delve into topics that we’ve been hearing from our small business members. Topics like: 

As part of the Partnership's mission of making Houston the best place to live, work, we are dedicated to supporting small businesses, particularly during these times of uncertainty by offering resources, guidance and opportunities to connect with fellow members around timely topics.

To learn more about becoming a member of the Partnership or to get involved, email membership@houston.org
 

Related News

Membership

Fall 2025 New Partnership Members

11/6/24
The Greater Houston Partnership welcomed 30 new member companies this fall. The Partnership works to connect companies with resources, information and networking opportunities to help increase business while also providing a platform to influence the direction of the region. New members include: Arete Public Affairs: Arete Public Affairs is a comprehensive consulting firm with over three decades of experience specializing in federal, state, and local government relations, public affairs, and strategic business development. Website.  AVI-SPL: AVI-SPL is a digital enablement solutions provider that designs, integrates, manages, and supports on-site and cloud-based communications and collaboration technologies for organizations around the globe. Website  BlueByrd: BlueByrd is a marketing consulting that helps businesses increase revenue by providing sales and marketing tools, tactics, and strategies. Website.  Bridgehead IT:  Bridgehead IT, is a full-service technology partner dedicated to IT services in San Antonio and beyond. Website.  Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County, Inc.: Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County acts as a catalyst, uniting partners and maximizing resources to move people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing with supportive services. Website.  Edelman: Edelman is a global communications firm that partners with businesses and organizations to evolve, promote and protect their brands and reputations. Website.  Garver, LLC: Garver is an employee-owned engineering, planning, and environmental services firm focused on aviation, transportation, buildings, federal, water and wastewater services; surveying; advisory services; and construction engineering and inspection. Website.  Genpact: Genpact is a global professional services firm that uses data, technology, AI, and digital operations to help companies solve challenges and grow: Website.  Hatch: Hatch combines vast engineering and business knowledge, working in partnership with clients to develop market strategies, manage and optimize production, develop new game-changing technologies, and design and deliver complex capital projects. Website.  Kelly Zuniga Consulting: Kelly Zuniga Consulting is a consulting firm that specializes in supporting and leading teams that focus on the successful execution of donor-based philanthropy advisory services. Website.  Loring Consulting Engineers: Loring Consulting Engineers provides comprehensive building and infrastructure systems design services for every building type. Website.  Meow Wolf Houston: Meow Wolf is an American arts and entertainment company that creates interactive, immersive art installations. Website.  Modern Animal: Modern Animal is a veterinary clinic company that uses technology and design to provide a better veterinary experience for pets and their owners. Website.  Murphy's Corporate Housing Associates: Murphy's Corporate Housing Associates sets the standard for furnished corporate housing solutions with customized packages, ideal locations, and 24/7 customer care. Website.  Nordstrom Rack: Nordstrom Rack is a department store chain that sells clothing, shoes, accessories, and home decor at a discount. Website.  PROS, Inc.: PROS, Inc. provides AI-based solutions that power commerce in the digital economy. Website.  Right Choice Construction: Right Choice Construction is Houston’s premier General Contractor specializing in commercial projects, including ground-up construction, steel buildings, warehouses, remodels, and build-outs for retail stores, restaurants, banks, and shopping centers. Website.  Rock Career Development: Rock Career Development is a boutique career services firm in Houston, Texas that helps athletes and professionals transition to new opportunities and helps organizations improve employee engagement and retention. Website.  ROCO: ROCO is a dynamic and innovative professional chamber orchestra that flexes from 1 to 40 musicians from all over the US and Canada, with guest conductors from around the globe. Website.  Skipper Bio Med: Skipper Bio Med is a research consultancy that provides pro bono services to academic and industry research groups that are developing promising lung and pancreatic cancer technologies. Website.  Songwon International America's, Inc: Songwon International America's, Inc is the second largest manufacturer & supplier of polymer stabilizers in the world, offers a very broad range of specialty chemicals. Website.  Stewart Title Company: Stewart Title Company provides services and resources for a variety of customers across the real estate industry. Website.  TGS Cedar Port Partners Industrial Park: TGS Cedar Port Industrial Park is the largest master-planned rail-and-barge-served industrial park in the U.S., offering rail-served, e-commerce, distribution, cold-storage, and manufacturing users unmatched resources for the future of industrial logistics and development. Website.  The Alexander Group: The Alexander Group has conducted thousands of executive searches since its inception in 1983. Website.  The National MS Society: The National MS Society is here to help people in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas get the information, connections and support needed to move their lives forward and find their place in the MS movement. Website.  The Parent Teacher Collaborative: The Parent Teacher Collaborative is a school and community-based organization that aims to improve student outcomes by building strong collaborative partnerships between parents, educators, and community members. Website.  The Texas Heart Institute: The Texas Heart Institute is an world-class, independent, nonprofit organization that is improving cardiovascular health through trailblazing research, thought leadership, education, and patient care. Website.  TMEIC Corporation Americas: TMEIC Corporation Americas provides diverse solutions to realize carbon neutrality. Website.  WGU Texas and South Region: WGU Texas and South Region is a non-profit, online university that offers affordable, competency-based degrees in high-demand fields. Website.  Winston & Strawn LLP: Winston & Strawn LLP is a global law firm with more than 975 attorneys in the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America. Website.  Click here to see the Partnership's Membership Directory. To learn more about membership with the Greater Houston Partnership click here, or contact membership@houston.org.
Read More

Related Events

Membership

2025 Annual Meeting

Mark your calendar for Friday, January 31, 2025, as we kick off the new year with the Greater Houston Partnership’s 2025 Annual Meeting! This signature event brings together business and community leaders from…

Learn More
Learn More
Executive Partners