Texas Business Grants Small Business Programs Texas A lot of small business entrepreneurs find it appealing to use grant funding opportunities to grow or expand their business in Texas. Texas small business grants unlike business loans are free funding opportunities that are not required to be paid back. However acquiring a small business grant in Texas requires investment in the form of time and effort since you need to fulfill the eligibility criteria, complete the application procedure and fulfill the documentation process to secure a grant.
There are a wide array of small business grants provided through Texas State government programs including grant opportunities available at the federal, local level and other nonprofit organizations. This guide will throw light on Texas small business grants that you can apply to grow your business.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Texas supports its small businesses through a variety of grant programs offered at the state, federal, and non-profit levels. The Texas economy, boasting a GDP of $2.5 trillion and a growth rate of 7.7% in 2023, provides a robust environment for small businesses. These grants cater to different needs such as startups, expansions, and sector-specific support including agriculture and technology.
- To qualify for most Texas small business grants, entrepreneurs need to be U.S. citizens or residents of Texas, with businesses engaged in commercial activities within the U.S. The Texas Skills for Small Business program, for instance, offers grants to businesses with fewer than 100 employees to cover training costs, ensuring workforce skill enhancement aligns with business growth needs.
- Comprehensive documentation is essential when applying for grants. This includes Tax IDs, business plans, financial statements, and proof of compliance with local regulations. For example, businesses applying for the San Antonio Façade Improvement Grant Program need to show proof of compliance with zoning and development codes and must be current on property taxes .
- Texas has targeted grant programs for historically underutilized businesses, veterans, and young farmers. The Texas Young Farmer Grant Program supports new and existing agricultural businesses, providing funds to match the farmer’s own investments, with applications open biannually .
- Local grant programs in cities like San Antonio, Austin, and Houston also offer substantial support. The San Antonio Economic Development Department, for example, offers grants up to $50,000 for façade improvements to enhance local business aesthetics .
What Are The Eligibility Criteria And Documents Required To Qualify For Texas Small Business Grants?
The eligibility criteria to qualify for Texas small business grants are as follows:
- Business owners should be a citizen of the United States or a resident of Texas
- You should operate or own a company in the United States of America. The business must be engaged in commercial activities within the US and must be selling goods or services within America
- Must prove you are the majority owner and decision-maker of the business. You must fulfill the identification criteria of the program and give proof of documents stating you are the founder or owner of the business.
- Must fulfill the intention of the grant funding including the nature and size of business
- Must fulfill the age limitation of the business. Your business should be in operation between one to five years to qualify.
- All the business taxes should be correct and in good standing. Your business should not have any outstanding tax liens or legal judgments unless exempted
- Must fulfill the limitation criteria set on the annual business revenue and number of employees
- Business owner must agree to use the grant program for the specified purposes that can benefit the business and also demonstrate a strong need for the grant
- Entrepreneurs must demonstrate their eligibility as qualified business owners or entrepreneurs by providing personal documentation, photo IDs and other valid paperwork
- Must prove your business is active and is currently operating.
- Applicants should be 21 years or above in age.
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To qualify for Texas small business grants you need to provide valid documents such as the following.
- Tax ID or EIN IRS letter for reference
- A robust business plan and identifiable need of your business
- Electronic payment form or voided check
- Personal identification documents like government photo ID, Social Security card, Business license, passport etc.
- A completed application or CV
- A detailed project plan, abstract or business proposal
- Information about the business owner and the business
- Financial documents like bank statements, tax return forms and pay stubs
- A detailed budget showing how you are planning to use the grant funding.
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What Are The Available Texas Small Business Grants?
Texas State Small Business Grants
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Texas Economic Development Bank (TEDB)
The TEDB provides a wide range of loan and grant programs to help small businesses in Texas. They have programs specifically for start-up businesses, as well as programs for businesses that are expanding or relocating.
The TEDB is a state-funded organization that helps small businesses in Texas by providing loans and grants. They can help small businesses in Texas by providing funding for start-up businesses, expanding businesses, and relocating businesses. To apply visit https://www.tedb.org/
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Historically Underutilized Business Certification Program (HUB)-
All Texas state agencies are required to make a good faith effort to use HUBs i.e. Historically Underutilized Business Certification Program (HUB) for the purpose of contracting construction services or purchases of commodities.
At least 51% ownership of an Asian woman of Pacific, African American, and Hispanic American, Native American and/or American origin is a must for a company to obtain HUB certification.
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The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE)
DBE was mainly created to provide equal conditions for small businesses, minorities, and women who wish to do business with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and other agencies that receive federal funds from the Department of Transportation USA. Led by the Texas Workforce Commission, this program specifically aims at helping current and newly hired employees of small businesses.
The objective of the Texas State Trade Expansion Program is to encourage Texas businesses to enter foreign markets and increase the value of exported goods and services. The program awards $10,000 to small businesses that are participating in export activities.
Eligible small businesses must meet the business size or industry-type standards and operate within the United States. Small businesses must manufacture, produce or process products or services that add value in the state of Texas.
Your business should be operating for more than one year and demonstrate an understanding of all the costs associated with exporting and operating business transactions with foreign purchasers.
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Texas Enterprise Fund offers awards in the range of $1000 to $10,000 to businesses that want to open a new office or expand their existing business. Eligible business projects must generate a minimum of 75 full-time jobs in urban areas or 25 full-time jobs in rural areas to qualify.
The application procedure can be lengthy and include areas like financial standing, estimated economic impact, project competitiveness, credit rating, tax status, confidential standing over legal issues etcetera. The project is supported by the local county government in Texas where it takes place.
The Texas Department of Agriculture funds the Young Farmer Grant to grow and support agriculture in the state. Grant awards ranging between $5000 to $20,000 are provided to eligible businesses on a reimbursement basis of up to 50% of expenses.
The applicant should be a citizen of the United States and in age between 18 to 45 and must prove they are living and operating their business within Texas. Funds can be used only for starting or expanding an agriculture business and not for maintaining an existing operation.
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The Center for Women Enterprise StartHer grant available at Texas Woman’s University offers grant awards of up to $5000 to eligible women-owned small businesses in the state. 25 grants are provided every year to businesses that are at least 51% controlled or owned by women.
The eligibility is limited to businesses having less than five full-time employees and the business owner should be a citizen of the United States and a Texas resident. The grant fund can be used for a variety of purposes like purchasing equipment, raw goods, inventory or marketing and social media campaigns.
Grant funding is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission Skills For Small Business Program for eligible small businesses that are investing to train full-time employees. Businesses receive funding up to $1800 per new employee and $900 for existing employees.
Employees may enroll in training provided by technical colleges, local community colleges or the Texas Engineering Extension Service. Your business needs to have less than 100 impossibility for this grant.
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National Grant Programs Available To Texas Small Businesses
A comprehensive resource of available federal small business grants is known as Grants.gov. The small business grants available in this database are administered by different federal agencies.
You can access the database to find financial support and grants for different types of businesses for instance restaurants, health clinics and elderly care services.
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National Association For Self-Employed Growth Grant
The National Association For Self-Employed provides NASE Growth Grants where eligible owners in the United States receive grants up to $4000.
You need to be an active member of the organization in good standing for a minimum of 90 days and applications are reviewed quarterly. You can apply for the grant online and have to explain your financial need to secure funds for your business.
Woman’s Net offers Amber Grants which is a leading funding opportunity for female entrepreneurs. The grant award of this program is given out monthly, quarterly or at the year’s end and may range between $1000 to $25,000.
To be eligible for this grant program businesses should be at least 50% owned or controlled by women and must be based in Canada or the United States.
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America Seed Fund
Small businesses that are operating in the technology industry are eligible to receive assistance through the America Seed Fund provided through the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs.
To be eligible for the program business should operate in the United States, should be for-profit and have less than 500 employees. The grant award ranges between $50,000 to $1.8 million.
A lot of minority-owned businesses in Texas look for opportunities to expand or scale their business on national and international levels. These businesses can consult with the experts at the Minority Business Development Agency Centers.
These centers offer a wide array of services like competing for a contract or securing capital. The centers provide grants for minority business entrepreneurs who are residing in areas with huge concentrations of minority populations.
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Texas City-Specific Small Business Grants
Apart from national and state programs, there are a lot of funding opportunities available to small or medium business entrepreneurs in their city and local communities.
Small businesses in San Antonio TX apply for these programs to get help with noise mitigation, exterior improvement, increased staff income, improved outdoor amenities from expanding to new markets etcetera. The program offers assistance in a range of $2000 to $50,000.
Businesses located in Alamo City can apply for this program which offers 50% reimbursement or up to $2500 for several projects like signage, storefront improvement, renovation, repair or equipment purchases. Business owners must show yearly leases, must be in operation for a minimum of 24 months and have documented paperwork to qualify.
The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance Grant programs are available to businesses situated in Downtown Lubbock or commercial revitalization areas.
The program assists businesses with expenses associated with property improvement and helps businesses with reimbursement ranging between 10% to 50% or up to $50,000 based on the project.
The Amegy Bank as well as the Houston Texan football franchise has designed the Amegy Bank Small Business Boost Program for small and medium business owners situated in the greater Houston area.
The winners of the program receive a grant award worth $5000. You need to make sure you are running a small for-profit business with less than 500 employees and annual revenue at or less than $20 million.
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Open For Business Grant Program In Houston
The grant program known as the Wells Fargo Open For Business Grant Program was created to advance the mission of the Houston Equity Fund by funding small businesses with less than 100 employees and located in vulnerable hostel communities. The grant award may range between $5000 to $100,000 and be used for purchasing equipment for property or other assets.
Grant opportunities are available to small businesses in Texas by Dayton Community Development Corporation which emphasizes the downtown district of Dayton.
The grant offers assistance support of $25,000 for signage, interior renovation, improvement to the building, landscaping and parking lot. The grant also offers funding of $7500 for making exterior projects and interior projects on a 50% match basis.
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Texas Specialty Business Grants For Veterans
SBA or Small Business Administration hosts the Veterans Business Participation Center to help veterans with business development services like counseling, training or referring resource partners.
The mission of the center is to support women veterans, male veterans, military spouses, service-disabled veterans, service members as well as national Guard and Reserve members.
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Texas Veterans Commission
The TVC offers a variety of programs and services to help veterans start and grow their own businesses. They have programs specifically for veterans who are interested in starting their own businesses, as well as resources and services to help veterans succeed in the business world. To.apply visit https://www.tvc.texas.gov/
Alternative Options To Consider For Small Business Grants In Texas
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The US Small Business Administration (SBA)
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) provides information regarding the availability of loans and grants, including small business workshops, promotional activities and much more. For more information on what the Federal SBA can do for your small business, locate the nearest SBA Regional / District Office through the SBA website.
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SCORE
It is one of the nonprofit associations of thousands of volunteer business counselors in the United States. The members of SCORE are trained to serve as advisors, mentors for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. They provide mentoring, resources, and training to help small businesses succeed.
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The Women’s Business Centers (WBCs)
The TWBC is a program of the Small Business Administration that provides training, counseling, and resources to help women start and grow their own businesses. They have locations throughout Texas and can provide valuable assistance to women who are starting their own businesses. To apply visit https://www.twbc.org/
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Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in the US are offered assistance through the SBDC’s. They are the only ones who will help your entrepreneurship realize the dream of being business owners. Free business consultancies and low-cost training services for small business owners are provided by the SBDC advisors
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Lift Fund
LiftFund is a non-profit organization that provides loans and training to help small businesses succeed. They have locations throughout Texas and can provide valuable assistance to small business owners who are looking for funding or support. To apply visit https://www.liftfund.com/
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Comcast Grants for Small Business
Comcast is popularly known for helping small businesses in economic terms. If your business is qualified for this grant then you will be eligible for medical placements, marketing consultations, commercial creative production services, or technology services. All the small business owners are eligible to apply for this, who are related to BIPOC (Black Indigenous and People of Color). To apply click here.
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Sam’s Club Small Business Grant
The small business owners in Texas can grant up to $10,000 through this program. This helps them to meet their needs and get immediate help. There is a list of expenses that are eligible for this grant. These may include:
- For upgrading the technology infrastructure
- Pay for the rent and utilities
- Meeting Payroll
- Paying outstanding debts to vendors
- Another immediate operational cost. To apply click here.
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Conclusion
Texas is a home to 500 Fortune companies which makes it the only state across the nation to have the most fortune companies. This is the reason why it is known as the economic engine of the nation. To support economic activities in Texas the federal and state governments including nonprofit organizations offer funding opportunities to small and medium business owners. As per the report of SBA, there are around 3 million small businesses registered in Texas. This makes the process of applying for and securing grants highly competitive. So you need to apply for the ones that meet your eligibility criteria. Applying for the aforementioned grants will help you to achieve your business goals.
Are you looking for Small-Business Grants for Women owned businesses? Look no further, our resources at Get Government Grants’ will help you to stretch your budget further and reduce your financial burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Get Free Government Grants for Small Business?
Any startup that is having good ideas for business, or working for research purposes or has been impacted financially can apply for these Free Small Business Grants from the Government.
Does the Government Provide Free Money as Grants for Small Business?
No, Government Does not offer direct money to any business or individual, but yes, anyone who is seeking free financial help for business can apply for various business programs from governments that can help small businesses.
Are There Any Grants Specifically For Veterans Starting A Business In Texas?
Yes, the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) offers a variety of programs and services specifically for veterans who are starting their own businesses in Texas. These programs may provide funding and resources to help veterans start and grow their businesses.
Are There Any Grants Specifically For Women-owned Businesses In Texas?
Yes, the Texas Women’s Business Center (TWBC) is a program of the Small Business Administration that provides training, counseling, and resources specifically for women-owned businesses in Texas.
Is There A Limit On How Many Times I Can Apply For A Grant From Liftfund?
It depends on the specific grant program or loan offered by LiftFund, it’s best to check the guideline of the program before applying.
Are There Any Deadlines For Applying For Small Business Start-up Grants In Texas?
Yes, each grant program has its own application deadline, so it’s important to check the deadline for each grant program you’re interested in and make sure you submit your application on time.
