Potential Competitive Information Sources
Saturday, August 18th, 2007Gathering information about your competition is important whether you’re planning a business, just starting out or have been operating for years. In particular, one can often gain useful information from numerous government agencies. If your occupation or profession requires licensing, certification, registration or permitting, consider contacting that specific regulatory body for information on your competitors.
Within Texas, numerous occupations and businesses require some type of license, permit, registration or certificate. Below is a preliminary list of Texas licensing and regulatory agencies at the state level. This list is not inclusive of all occupations and professions, but will hopefully offer ideas. As is always the case, it is best to consult with your attorney about the necessary license(s) required for your specific industry or profession prior to opening your business.
This list was assembled in August 2007. Due to our ever-evolving world, changes may occur regarding contact information, regulations, agency names, etc. Thus plan to do your homework!
If the following list is not helpful, visit www.texasonline.state.tx.us and click on “Online Services” to find a listing of links relating to acquiring licenses, permits and registration in Texas. Also take the time to contact city and county officials as these agencies may have relevant information about your competitors.
For additional information about the benefits and process of researching your competition, please contact us at kgbmarketing@hotmail.com
Executive Council of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Examiners
Public Utility Commission of Texas
- Electric, telecommunication, cable & video
- www.puc.state.tx.us
Texas Appraisers Licensing & Certification Board
- Real estate appraisers
- www.talcb.state.tx.us
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
- Architects, interior designers, and landscape architects
- www.tbae.state.tx.us
Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Texas Board of Law Examiners
Texas Board of Nurse Examiners
Texas Board of Professional Engineers
Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists
- Covering geology, soil science and geophysics professionals
- www.tbpg.state.tx.us
Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying
Texas Board of Tax Professional Examiners
- Appraisers, assessors/collectors, and collection
- www.txbtpe.state.tx.us
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
- Covers variety of occupations such as irrigators, installers, etc. and industries such as air quality, dry cleaners, water treatment, etc.
- www.tceq.state.tx.us
Texas Department of Agriculture
- Wide range of agricultural and animal licensing and permitting such as pest control, nurseries, floral, seed growers, etc.
- www.agr.state.tx.us
Texas Department of Family & Protective Services
- Child care licensing, etc.
- www.dfps.state.tx.us
Texas Department of Insurance
- Agents, adjusters, companies, etc.
- www.tdi.state.tx.us.licensing
Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation
- State’s umbrella occupational regulatory agency including air conditioning & refrigeration contractors, electricians, barbers, cosmetologists, etc.
- Covers 22 occupations & industries
- www.license.state.tx.us
Texas Department of Public Safety
- Private investigators, couriers, security consultants, etc.
- www.txdps.state.tx.us
Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending
- Banks, mortgage brokers and loan officers
- www.sml.state.tx.us
Texas Department of State Health Services
- Extensive site with 22 regulatory programs such as athletic trainers, social workers, etc.
- www.dshs.state.tx.us
Texas Department of Transportation
- Registration for commercial motor vehicles such as tow trucks, hazardous material, household goods, motor carriers, etc.
- www.dot.state.tx.us
Texas Funeral Service Commission
Texas Medical Board
- Physicians, acupuncturists, etc.
- www.tmb.state.tx.us
Texas Optometry Board
Texas Parks and Wildlife
- Marine dealers, distributors, or manufacturers
- www.tpwd.state.tx.us
Texas Racing Commission
- Over 50 categories of occupations/licenses including trainers, jockeys, mutuel teller, etc.
- www.txrc.state.tx.us
Texas Real Estate Commission
- Agents, brokers, inspectors, etc.
- www.trec.state.tx.us
Texas Residential Construction Commission
- Registration for home builders
- www.trcc.state.tx.us
Texas State Board of Dental Examiners
Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
Texas State Board of Pharmacy
Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners