Texas has about 3.1 million small business owners who can apply for small business grants. Submitting an application and competing for Texas small business grants can help you grow your small or medium-sized enterprise in the Lone Star State.
The Texas economy has a gross domestic product of $2.5 trillion as of 2023, growing at a rate of 7.7%. That’s the second largest GDP in the United States out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Small and medium-size firms exported about $147.8 billion worth of goods from Texas in the most recent year studied, making it the largest small business exporting state nationwide, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau export data.
Below we highlight some of the top small business grants in Texas that you can explore.
Key Points
• Small business grants in Texas are funds provided by government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private entities to support the growth and development of small businesses.
• Small business grants typically do not need to be repaid, as long as the business follows the guidelines of the grant.
• To be eligible for a small business grant in Texas, your business usually cannot have more than 500 employees.
• In addition to grants, small business owners in Texas can get funding through small business loans, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, and more.
Texas Small Business Grants
If you’re looking for small business grants in Texas, here are some potential options to consider:
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Skills for Small Business Grant
Program description: This program provides small business owners with workforce training funds that can help employees learn new skills.
• Incentive: Small businesses can receive workforce training funds covering up to $1,800 of eligible tuition costs in a 12-month period for a new employee and up to $900 in a 12-month period for an existing employee who learns new skills in a continuing education course.
• General requirements: Here are some of the general requirements for this grant:
◦ Be a small business owner based in Texas
◦ Employ at least one full-time employee and not more than 99
◦ Pay the prevailing wage in your local labor market
◦ Use the funding to train at least one full-time employee
◦ All training must be provided by a public community or technical college
◦ Self-employed individuals are not eligible for this grant program
• How to apply: Visit the TWC website to apply.
Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant
• Program description: The Texas Department of Agriculture offers STEP grants that can help you export your goods and services from the Lone Star State to foreign markets.
• Incentive: Receive reimbursement for eligible business expenses, including your expenses of advertising overseas, attending international trade shows, and covering interpreter fees, among other export-related expenses.
• General requirements: Here are some of the general requirements for this grant:
◦ Operate a Texas-based small company with a for-profit business structure
◦ Be in good standing with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
◦ Have at least one year of business experience
◦ Understand how exporting works and the cost of doing business with foreign buyers
◦ Have a Federal Identification Number tied to a Texas address
◦ Have a product or service that’s manufactured, produced, processed, or value-added in Texas
◦ Be new to export or expand your exports to new markets abroad
• How to apply: Check the TDA website for details when the application period opens.
San Antonio Façade Improvement Grant Program
• Program description: Eligible commercial property owners in San Antonio can receive partial reimbursement for enhancing the general aesthetics of a building exterior or façade.
• Incentive: Receive up to $50,000 in reimbursements for making façade improvements to an eligible property in San Antonio.
• General requirements: Here are some of the general requirements for this grant:
◦ Be a small business owner (or nonprofit organization) occupying an eligible San Antonio commercial property
◦ Have been in business at the location prior to Jan. 1, 2021
◦ Propose a façade improvement project
◦ Be in compliance with all zoning and Unified Development Code requirements
◦ Be current on all property taxes
◦ Have no city liens against you
◦ Have the ability to meet program insurance requirements
◦ The following businesses are not eligible:
◼ Franchisors (local or nonlocal)
◼ Gambling businesses
◼ Sexually oriented businesses
◼ Payday loan lenders
◼ Liquor stores
◼ Tobacco, cannabis, and vape stores
◼ Any business in which a City of San Antonio local government employee or officer has a financial interest
• How to apply: Apply online if and when the San Antonio Façade Improvement Grant Program reopens.
City of Austin’s Zero Waste Business Rebate
• Program description: The City of Austin offers rebates for eligible businesses that improve their waste reduction and diversion practices.
• Incentive: Receive up to $3,000 reimbursement for reducing waste beyond the minimum requirements of Austin’s Universal Recycling Ordinance.
• General requirements: Here are some of the general requirements for this rebate program:
◦ Business is based within the City of Austin’s full purpose jurisdiction
◦ Business owner provides on-site recycling services to tenants and employees on company premises as required by City of Austin Code of Ordinances
◦ You’re in compliance with municipal Austin City Codes
◦ All tax accounts are in good standing
• How to apply: Access the rebate application via the City of Austin website .
City of Rosenberg Business Improvement Grant Program
• Program description: The Rosenberg Development Corporation (RDC) offers partial reimbursements to eligible businesses that make capital improvements to their Rosenberg commercial properties.
• Incentive: Receive up to $10K reimbursement for implementing a qualifying project, including façade improvements, landscaping, and demolition of abandoned signs and structures.
• General requirements: Here are some of the general requirements for this grant program:
◦ Business is based within Rosenberg city limits in Fort Bend County, Texas
◦ Entity structured as a for-profit business
◦ Have no outstanding financial obligations to the City of Rosenberg
◦ Have no active lawsuits against the City of Rosenberg
◦ Business facilities not used for residential purposes
• How to apply: You can obtain an application via the City of Rosenberg website .
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National Grant Options for Texas Businesses
Texas businesses have a wealth of national grant options available to support their growth, innovation, and operational needs. These grants, offered by federal agencies, non-profits, and private organizations, provide crucial funding without the burden of repayment.
1. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Grants:
• Description: NIST provides grants to support small businesses in developing and commercializing innovative technologies.
• Benefits: Funding for research and development, technology transfer, and commercialization efforts.
• Eligibility: Open to U.S. small businesses engaged in technology innovation.
2. National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Business Consortium Fund:
• Description: NMSDC offers grants and loans to minority-owned businesses to help them grow and succeed in their respective markets.
• Benefits: Financial assistance, training programs, and access to a network of corporate partners.
• Eligibility: Open to certified minority-owned businesses in the U.S.
3. Patagonia Corporate Grants Program:
• Description: Patagonia provides grants to small businesses and non-profit organizations focused on environmental conservation and sustainability.
• Benefits: Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000.
• Eligibility: Open to businesses and nonprofits in the U.S. working on environmental initiatives.
By exploring these national grant options, Texas businesses can access vital financial resources to drive innovation, support growth, and achieve long-term success.
Who Provides Small Business Grants in Texas?
Municipal, county, and state governments in Texas may offer small business grants in the Lone Star State. Corporate entities may also provide financial assistance to Texas establishments.
You can compare small business grants in Texas with similar programs in other states, such as:
• California small business grants
• Florida small business grants
• New York small business grants
Do You Have to Pay Back a Small Business Grant?
A small business grant typically comes with terms and conditions, and you may be responsible for paying back the grant if you violate those terms. In general, small and midsized business owners are not required to pay back a small business grant absent any violations.
You typically have to sign a funding agreement to accept a small business grant. As mentioned above, the grant may come with certain conditions. Using the grant for an illegitimate purpose may violate the agreement and require business owners to pay back the grant.
Small business grants may require you to spend the money by a certain date. You may also have to provide proof of payment and a written statement detailing how you’ve spent the grant.
Who Is Eligible for Small Business Grants in Texas?
Local business owners or operators of an enterprise with fewer than 500 employees may be eligible for small business grants in Texas.
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy generally defines a small business as an independent business having fewer than 500 employees. A small business, including freelancers, may be eligible for small business grants.
What Industries Does Texas Support With Grants?
Texas offers a variety of grants supporting the following industries:
• Manufacturing
• Food services and drinking places
• Real estate
• Restaurants and other eating places
• Retail trade (store and nonstore retailers)
Texas Resources for SMB Owners Looking for Funding
Here are some resources for small and medium-sized businesses looking for funding in the Lone Star State:
Texas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network
The Texas SBDC network can provide Texas small business owners with the following services:
• In-person business training and webinar events
• Access to market research reports
• Professional business advising at no cost
SBA District Offices in Texas
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal agency that provides resources and support to small business owners. The SBA has six district offices in Texas:
• SBA Dallas / Fort Worth District Office . This SBA district serves 72 counties in northeastern Texas. It’s based in Euless.
• SBA El Paso District Office . This SBA district serves nine counties in western Texas. It’s based in El Paso.
• SBA Houston District Office . This SBA district serves 32 counties in southeastern Texas. It’s based in Houston.
• SBA Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office . This SBA district serves 14 counties in southern Texas. Depending on where you’re based, you can contact the main office in Harlingen or the virtual office in Corpus Christi.
• SBA San Antonio District Office . This SBA district serves 55 counties in south central Texas. It’s based in San Antonio.
• SBA West Texas District Office . This SBA district serves 71 counties in western Texas. It’s based in Lubbock.
Alternative Funding Sources for Small Businesses in Texas
Here are some alternative funding sources for small businesses in Texas:
Texas Small Business Credit Initiative (TSBCI)
The Texas Small Business Credit Initiative is a federally funded program for small business owners in the Lone Star State. Federal law — the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 — allocates more than $472 million to the TSBCI.
Here’s how Texas plans to use the funding:
• TSBCI Loan Guarantee Program — $354 million. This program makes it easier for Texas startups to qualify for small business loans by providing guarantees of up to 80% of unpaid principal on enrolled loans.
• TSBCI Capital Access Program — $118 million. This program uses TSBCI matching funds to support portfolio insurance on small business loans. This can make it easier for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to access small business funding.
Texas Microloan Lenders
Community-based nonprofits may offer microloans of up to $50,000 to small business owners in Texas, including microloans for women-owned small businesses. In general, microloans can range from $500 to $50,000 and may be available to startups.
Texas Small Business Loans from Private Lenders
Banks, credit unions, and private lenders may offer different types of small business loans to Texas business owners.
Here are some of the funding products you may consider depending on your needs:
• Commercial real estate loans
• Equipment financing
• Small business loans for startups
• Working capital lines of credit
Recommended: 6 Step Guide to Getting a Small Business Loan
Find Small Business Financing With SoFi
There are many options in Texas for those seeking small business grants, ranging from state and local government programs to private options.
If you’re seeking financing for your business, SoFi is here to support you. On SoFi’s marketplace, you can shop and compare financing options for your business in minutes.
FAQ
How do you get a small business grant in Texas?
You can apply for Texas small business grants, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get approved for one. You may have to submit a grant application as a qualified small business owner to be considered for a small business grant in Texas.
How hard is it to get a business loan in Texas?
You may have difficulty getting a small business loan in Texas if you have bad credit or insufficient business experience. You generally have to pay back business loans with interest.
What is the easiest SBA loan to get approved for?
There’s no guarantee you’ll get approved for any SBA loan, but SBA microloans may be one of the easier ones to get if you’re a new business owner. Startups may be eligible for SBA microloans of up to $50K. If you’re looking for a streamlined application process, SBA Express working capital loans are an option you may consider.
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