By Grace Darcy
December 2, 2025
Are you looking to start a business? Unsure where to begin? Here we have some tips and tricks to finding resources for your business to succeed!
From competitions to workshops, here we have some tips to help you and your business grow!
Do your research
Before starting your business it is important to research what you are planning to sell. Look into the cost of the products, tools, and marketing. You want to have a general idea of how much money will be put into starting this business, to ensure you make profit.
The CIE has a dedicated librarian, Samuel Marsh, s.marsh@txstate.edu, that specializes in entrepreneurship and business research. He can help with industry data, competitor analysis, and other related research.
For example, if you are looking to expand your baking business in the San Marcos community, understanding competition and the demographics that purchase your type of baked goods, will help you identify where and how to best position yourself in the community. Sam can help! Tell him the CIE sent you!
Enter competitions
Entering competitions is a fun way to not only get your business out there, but also have the potential to win money prizes.
The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has held pitch competitions, with the top three winners earning prize money to use towards their business. Participating in these competitions will allow you to speak to a group of professionals about your venture, improving your professional and elevator pitch skills.
Nail your pitch deck
Want to win a pitch competition? Nail your pitch.
Having a strong pitch will not only help you in pitch competitions, but also the professional world. You want to ensure your pitch is short and concise. Make sure you convey the most important information to the judges and your audience.
The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has hosted workshops to help hone in on pitching skills. At these workshops you learn from professionals about the best way to curate your pitch. Make sure to look out for further pitching workshops to hone in your pitch.
Utilize campus resources
One of the most useful and often overlooked ways to fund and budget your business is through campus resources.
Looking to create posters and flyers to market your business? Use the printers across campus! Every student pays $25 a semester to use towards printing on campus in their tuition. Utilize this and put it towards marketing your business!
Alkek One
A much overlooked resource on the first floor of the Alkek Library is Alkek One. Alkek One has all the tools necessary to start, expand, and market your business. The Makerspace in Alkek One has 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics workbenches, embroidery and sewing machines, and even a waterjet that can cut ANYTHING. The only cost to you is the cost of material that you use, and there is never a charge for time.
Additionally, Alkek One has audio studios for podcasting and music mixing, as well as, professional video capabilities with greenscreens and virtual production sets. Check out Alkek One!
Wednesday Workshops at the CIE
Wanting to learn more about pitching, vendoring, sales, budgeting, and more? Texas State has a variety of resources to help you! The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship holds Wednesday Workshops weekly with a guest speaker who will teach you about an entrepreneurial topic. These sessions will leave you with valuable information to use towards your business, and the best part? They’re free for all students!
Selling Platforms
As always, CIE supports and hosts the Bobcat Bazaar and Student Made, where you can try out your business and sell to Bobcats at popups or online.
The Small Business Development Center
The Small Business Development Center is a national program that helps small businesses in the community. One of their main goals is to help you secure funding. They have banking and grant connections that are unmatched. They also have a business plan template on their website that can help in organizing your business idea.
For more information about the CIE events and activities, check out our upcoming events.
Follow us on all of our socials - LinkedIn and Instagram. To find our events list, visit our linktr.ee.
About the CIE:
“Where underestimated talent becomes unstoppable.”
The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship follows a mission of providing hands-on experiences to turn into something meaningful and impactful. The CIE supports “underestimated people and early-stage ideas with strategy, grit, and belief.”
The vision of the CIE is to make Texas State University “a place where entrepreneurship and innovation are real and accessible to anyone with the courage to create.” The CIE provides opportunities for students, faculty, alumni, and the community to turn ideas into lasting ventures.
Media Contacts:
To become involved in the CIE as a student, faculty or staff, alumni, or community member, connect with the CIE team:
Quinn Valentine, Director for the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, McCoy College of Business, at quinn.valentine@txstate.edu
Kendall Perkinson, CIE Program Coordinator
Email: kendallperkinson@txstate.edu