Leaders promote business growth

To help find tenants and buyers, Violette said, the TEDC works with the Tomball Chamber of Commerce and Lone Star College System's Small Business Development Center to provide individuals tools and resources for starting a business.

First steps

Looking at Tomball's potential business growth in 2013, Chamber President Bruce Hillegeist said local leaders hope to create a more diverse retail landscape, such as more stores focused on male clientele.

"[We want businesses to] accommodate all community residents, eliminating the need to travel out of the market area to purchase specific goods needed," he said.

To help achieve this, the TEDC offers several grants and financial incentives. Its newest—the rental assistance program—was created in 2011 and can help subsidize the first year of rent. At the end of the business' first year, the EDC will pay 25 percent of what the owner paid in monthly rent.

Helping offset costs for new businesses is one of the most significant ways the TEDC can help, Violette said. Karen Cavallaro, a consultant with LSCS's Small Business Development Center, said one of the most important conversations she has with individuals is about finances.

"It really depends on the industry and type of business the person wants to start, but if your business is inventory-based you will need the inventory, money for the facility [and to] pay your permits; and for a loan, you need enough collateral and [to] bring some money to the table," she said. "You also need to have enough capital to carry you until you make a profit."

Hillegeist said he and Violette send first-time business owners to the Small Business Development Center for initial direction and resources.

"I talked to everybody to get different perspectives," said Kim Vickers, owner of Wigs With Style, which opened in September, and sells women's and men's hair pieces. "We got a lot of advice from other small businesses, and the chamber was just awesome. The community was so helpful."

Development process

Building a business in the City of Tomball—whether from the ground up or using an existing space—requires the owner undergo an extensive development process. For individuals renting or purchasing a built-out structure, they need to ensure it is zoned for commercial use.

To change zoning, individuals must submit requests to the City's Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the City Council. Both bodies will conduct public hearings for input on each case, and building permits and inspections by various local entities are also required.

"After obtaining a building permit, it depends what kind of building [and business] you have," said David Allen, City of Tomball Building Official.

The most substantial cost to the city are impact fees, Allen said. Businesses are required to pay these if it is determined to have an impact on water or sewer. Depending on the situation, these fees can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The Tomball City Council is considering an ordinance that would institute a 24-month waiver of all sewer and water impact fees for new businesses.

"[By waving feeds], you're also going to gain businesses in town in places that are currently vacant," Mayor Gretchen Fagan said. "You can't put a price on having those buildings occupied. It makes the area more attractive."