Top Small Business Grants in Texas
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Grants for Small Businesses in Texas
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 $50K 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
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.
Who Provides Small Business Grants in Texas?
Arizona small business grants California small business grants Colorado small business grants Florida small business grants Georgia small business grants Illinois small business grants Indiana small business grants Maryland small business grants Michigan small business grants NC small business grants New York small business grants NJ small business grants Ohio small business grants Pennsylvania small business grants Wisconsin small business grants
Do You Have to Pay Back a Small Business Grant?
Who Is Eligible for Small Business Grants in Texas?
What Industries Does Texas Support With Grants?
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
Texas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network
In-person business training and webinar events Access to market research reports Professional business advising at no cost
SBA 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
Texas Small Business Credit Initiative (TSBCI)
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.
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