Despite the difficult economy, more Texans sought advice in starting and growing their businesses in 2010. The UTSA Institute for Economic Development served more than 37,000 business clients last year, up from 32,000 in 2009. The institute also reported an increase in net sales, contracts and exports for business clients, and access to capital increased substantially. But documented business starts and expansions decreased from the previous year, reflecting the continuing challenges of a tough national economy.