In Texas, starting and effectively managing a small business is not an easy task. Annually, over 57,810 businesses declare bankruptcy in Texas. However, the federal government does not publicly provide grants for starting and expanding a business. But in the state, some small business grants can be given to business owners to start and grow their ventures. These Texas small business grants are open to different categories of recipients, including minorities and veterans. Also, there are small business grants offered in 2023 that are currently ongoing in Austin, Texas. These grant recipients don’t have to pay back the funding from the government. Therefore, it makes sense to look into small business grants as one of your sources to fund your business.
In Texas, the majority of the federal budget in government grants is put into the business sector every year. Over $55,671.00 million in grants and additional local government funding sources of $35,330.00 million will be put into the business sector. This is because small businesses and large corporations are the basic foundation of economic growth in Texas.
So, even those in the farming industry may be eligible to apply for small business grants as well. There are more than 247,000 farms in the state of Texas.
Texas Small Business Grants for Minorities
Minority business owners face diverse challenges when starting or expanding a small business. These challenges facing minorities include access to affordable small-business grants and loans. However, business grants and financial assistance can help close the funding gap.
Here are some of the specific Texas small-business grants and resources for minorities in 2023.
#1. The USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program
This grant is for the development and expansion of small businesses in rural areas of Texas, whether they are minority-owned or not. To be eligible, you’ll need to have 50 or fewer employees and less than $1 million in revenue. Also, you have to be located in an eligible rural area.
Generally, these grants range from $10,000 to $500,000. So we can use them for different purposes. Applications are accepted through the USDA’s Rural Development’s state offices annually.
#2. Minority Business Development Agency
They enhance the growth of minority-run small businesses by connecting owners to financing resources, federal contracts, and market opportunities. You can also contact a local MBDA business center for more information.
#3. National Minority Supplier Development Council
This is a corporate member organization with a focus on increasing business opportunities for certified minority-owned businesses. They do this by providing small business grants for the minorities in Texas. Hence, it operates the Business Consortium Fund, a nonprofit business development program. So, they offer financing programs and business advisory services for their members.
#4. SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Socially or economically disadvantaged small-business owners are eligible to receive help through this SBA 8(a) program. It provides business development assistance, training, and management.
To qualify, a small business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a citizen who has been subjected to cultural bias. Also, you must be at an economic disadvantage because of race or ethnicity. Here is a list of eligibility requirements.
#5. Operation Hope Small-Business Empowerment Program
This is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs in low-wealth neighborhoods. This often includes minority communities. The program combines business training and financial counseling along with access to small-business financing options. Hence, participants complete a 12-week training program, plus workshops on business financing and credit and money management.
However, Grants.gov allows grant seekers to find and apply for federal funding opportunities. It contains information on more than 1,000 grant programs across all 26 federal grant-making agencies.
To be eligible for federal grants, you must obtain a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet (a unique nine-digit identification number) for your business. You will also register to do business with the U.S. government through its System Award Management website. Then you can create an account at Grants.gov.
Texas Small Business Grants for Veterans
Veterans who are currently residing in the state of Texas may be eligible to apply for various types of veteran small business grants and benefits. According to the local military office in Austin Texas, to be eligible for small business veterans grants in 2023:
- You must be a veteran enlisted in the military, naval force, or air force, before September 7, 1980. Or:
- You must be a veteran enlisted in the military, naval force, or air force, after September 7, 1980. Also, you must have at least 24 months of active duty.
Veterans in Texas are not only eligible to apply for small business grants that are available to residents of Texas. They are also eligible to apply for small business grants for veterans as well. This also includes housing and education grants.
To apply for veteran grants in Texas, contact Texas financial aid agencies.
Austin Texas Small Business Grants
The Austin City Council approved Resolution No. 20200507-023 on May 7, 2020. This resolution is to provide $10 million for the Austin Small Business Relief Grants. Also, an additional $6.5 million was approved for the Austin Texas Small Business Relief Grants in Resolution No. 20200604-040 on June 4, 2020.
Applicants may apply for up to $40,000 toward their business needs including rent, payroll, and other economic needs.
Eligible local businesses must be able to demonstrate an economic loss linked with the COVID-19 global pandemic. In addition, its headquarters must be in a City of Austin Council district.
The Austin Texas Small Business Relief Grants application is live. They are accepting eligible submissions through the Austin Better Business Bureau starting on Tuesday, July 7, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. These Austin, Texas small business grants will be available till the end of 2023.
Other Texas Small business grants in 2023
#1. Comcast
They support small businesses that were hit the hardest by the economic impact of the pandemic. Here, you will have the opportunity to receive marketing consultations, media placements, commercial creative production services, or technology services from Effectv and Comcast Business if you are eligible. So, all BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) small business owners are eligible to apply. You can apply here.
#2. City Of Rosenberg: Business improvement grant
They are accepting applications for its Business Improvement Grant (BIG) Program. Any new or existing business in the City is eligible to apply for the grant funding. The grant is for reimbursement on projects that improve the physical appearance of its business facility. So, up to 50 percent of the total project cost, $10,000, is available to qualifying projects.
Apply here.
#3. Fort Bend County COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Assistance Program
If your business has been impacted by COVID-19, additional funding up to $25,000 is available. Fort Bend County has awarded more than $47 million through the Small Business Grant Program. However, more funds have been made available. In fact, there are funds available for all initial grantees to receive a second grant. Also, there are new dollars for businesses that have not received a county grant previously.
Apply here.
#4. Sam’s Club Small Business Grant
Grants of up to $10,000 each to small business owners to help meet their most immediate needs. So, eligible expenses include:
- Paying rent and utilities
- Meeting payroll
- Paying outstanding debt to vendors
- Upgrading technology infrastructure
- Other immediate operational costs
Apply here.
#5. Texas Small Business Emergency Micro-grant Source (TSBEMS)
Entrepreneurs who own businesses that meet the following criteria may apply for funds:
- The business has been open for at least 2 years and is currently open for business
- Business is currently registered with the State of Texas
- The business has not previously received a micro-grant from TSBEMS
- A business has suffered some type of damage or loss beyond the owner’s control. Also, it has presented the need for emergency funds to continue daily operations
Apply here.
#6. Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Fund
This is a nonprofit charitable foundation. It provides emergency funding to those restaurants or bars that are faced with unforeseen expenses. Also, those expenses cannot or will not be covered by insurance.
You can apply here.
#7. Hello Alice covid-19 Grant
They are offering $10,000 grants being distributed immediately to small business owners impacted by a coronavirus. They do it as part of their broader mission to ensure Business for All. In addition to funding, grant recipients will receive ongoing support from the Hello Alice community.
Apply here.
#8. LiftFund Covid-19 Grant & Loans
LiftFund is ready to support small businesses during this time. They have collaborated with communities across our footprint to lift small businesses during these uncertain times. A variety of grant programs are available.
Apply here.
#9. City of Houston small business economic relief program
They approved $15 million that will provide immediate and short-term grant assistance to small businesses impacted in Texas communities due to COVID-19. Its funds come through the Federal CARES ACT. So, the grant program is set to help small businesses with access to the assistance they need to survive the pandemic.
You can apply here. Application portal closed Sept. 4. Check back for reopening updates.
#10. Facebook Small Business Grants Program
Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, with this grant, you can keep your workforce going strong and help with your rent costs. It can also help you connect with more customers and cover operational costs.
So, who’s eligible? Up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in more than 30 countries where they operate. For eligibility, you must:
- Be a for-profit company
- Have between two and 50 employees
- be in business for over a year
- Have experienced challenges from COVID-19
- Be in or near a location where Facebook operates
Apply here. Note that this is not available for Houston.
Recent State Funding Opportunities
The following is a list of recent opportunities in the local state:
| FUNDING NUMBER | FUNDING TITLE |
|---|---|
| HHS 2022 ACF OHS CH R6 0143 | Head Start/Early Head Start Recipient — Communities in the state of Texas |
| W9132T 21 SOI 0026 | Advanced Monitoring and Management of the Texas Horned Lizard on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma |
| O OVC 2021 49001 | OVC FY 2021 Invited to Apply Santa Fe Texas – Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program for Crime Victim Compensation and/or Assistance |
| O OJJDP 2021 30002 | OJJDP FY 2020 and 2021 Nonparticipating States: American Samoa (2020), Connecticut (2020 and 2021), Nebraska (2020 and 2021), New Mexico (2020), Texas (2020 and 2021), Wyoming (2020 and 2021), and Virgin Islands (2020) Solicitation |
| HHS 2021 ACF OHS CI R11 1969 | American Indian/Alaska Native Head Start Grantee — Polk County, Texas |
| W81EWF 21 SOI 0015 | Natural Resources and Endangered Species Research and Support at Fort Hood, Texas |
| USDA NRCS TX 21 NOFO0001103 | Texas Partners for Conservation (TPC) Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Announcement for Program Funding – TEXAS |
| USDA NRCS TX MULTI 21 NOFO0001072 | Texas FY21 State CIG |
| HHS 2021 ACF OHS CI R11 1938 | American Indian/Alaska Native Head Start Grantee — Polk County, Texas |
| HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R06 1893 | Head Start/Early Head Start Grantee — Communities in the state of Texas |
How much money can I receive through Texas small business grants?
The amount of money that can be received through Texas small business grants varies depending on the specific grant program, the size of the business, and the purpose of the grant.
How do I apply for a Texas small business grant?
The application process for a Texas small business grant typically involves submitting an application form, a business plan, financial information, and other supporting documents. The specific requirements and application process will depend on the grant program.
What are the main criteria for Texas small business grant applications?
The main criteria for Texas small business grant applications may include the size and type of business, the purpose of the grant, the potential impact on the local community, the business’s financial stability, and the ability of the business to meet specific grant requirements.
What are the requirements for grant recipient reporting?
The requirements for grant recipient reporting vary depending on the specific grant program but may include regular financial reporting, progress updates, and documentation of how the grant funds are being used.
How are Texas small business grants funded?
Texas small business grants may be funded through state and local government programs, private foundations, and non-profit organizations. The specific funding source will depend on the grant program.
What resources are available for businesses seeking information about Texas small business grants?
Businesses seeking information about Texas small business grants may find helpful resources through local and state government agencies, small business development centers, and non-profit organizations that support small business growth.
Can Texas small business grants be combined with other funding sources?
Yes, Texas small business grants may be combined with other funding sources such as loans, investment capital, and federal grants. The specific requirements for combining funding sources will depend on the grant program and the other funding sources involved.
This page will be updated as new information becomes available.
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