Learn, Grow, Achieve

Did you know?

About 1 in 5 new businesses close in the first year, about half by year five and two-thirds by year ten.

That’s why a structured course like Start Smart matters.

Start Smart returns October 2025—your five-week, ten-session jumpstart to launch or level up your small business. You’ll validate your idea with a feasibility study, build a practical business plan, sharpen your marketing, understand pricing and cash flow, and cover legal and tax basics so you can move forward with confidence. Learn from experienced instructors, get feedback on your concept, and leave with clear next steps and ready-to-use tools. Seats are limited and scholarships are available. Registration opens soon.

Education

The BiGAUSTIN School of Business & Job Skills Development

At BiGAUSTIN, we empower individuals and strengthen our community. We provide essential resources and training for both job seekers and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the dynamic Central Texas economy.

Our programs focus on practical steps to support a strong and growing small business community. Every day, BiGAUSTIN works to help Texans succeed through education, business training, and access to capital.

Our charge is to equip and inspire individuals to view entrepreneurship as:

  • An employment opportunity

  • An avenue out of poverty

  • A path to economic growth in low income and disadvantaged communities

  • A resource to help under-served small businesses succeed

Many individuals and businesses face barriers to success due to limited access to high-quality and affordable education and resources. BiGAUSTIN bridges this gap by providing essential support to both entrepreneurs and job seekers. We connect talented individuals with the resources they need to thrive, whether they are starting a business or seeking employment.

BiGAUSTIN offers a diverse range of programs, including seminars, workshops, and intensive training. Our approach is personalized, tailoring our support to the unique needs and goals of each individual. By providing comprehensive training in job skills and entrepreneurship, we empower individuals to build successful careers and contribute to a thriving local economy.

  • Borrowing Basics Borrowing Basics

    A thorough evaluation of the funding process.  Our Borrowing Basics class will provide you with insider details on what your lending officer is looking for and peek at the loan evaluation process. Topics will also include credit analysis and loan sources for small businesses.

  • Business Law Basics

    Know the law!  Experienced attorneys specializing in contract and business law equip our clients with safeguard measures and the legal knowledge of how to utilize contracts that further their business goals. You will leave with a resource packet to get started and the fundamental steps necessary for small business success.

  • Business Plan 101

    The number one key to success when owning a business is planning! Our instructor will help you clearly understand the strategic process of developing a business plan. You'll be provided with a template and an in-depth explanation of each section. Our Business Plan 101 instructor is also available to you for counseling should your business plan require further attention.

  • Contract Basics

    This course is to help you identify contract terms you need to focus on and show you how to better asses and manage contracts for your business. We will go in-depth on term definitions and how they may change depending on your business.

  • Intellectual Property

    Intellectual property is a broad term that can become easily convoluted. Know how to protect your ideas. During this class you will learn what intellectual property actually is, what applies to you and your business, and how to protect it. This course covers patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

  • Start Smart

    This 10-session workshop is for any business owner who needs a detailed run-down of everything there is to know about running a business. We provide you with the key essentials and connect you with like-minded entrepreneurs who will also learn the skills needed to succeed in their chosen field.

Is there something you need that we don't have a class on?

Let Us Know