Here’s the key to success for Texas small business grants for entrepreneurs with our comprehensive guide on accessing small business grants in Texas. Explore valuable resources, tips, and insights to navigate the application process and secure funding for your venture.
Utilizing a grant to finance or expand your small business in Texas holds considerable appeal. Unlike small-business loans, grants offer free funding without repayment obligations. Yet, securing a Texas small-business grant demands an investment of time in researching eligible grants and completing applications. While various Texas state programs provide such grants, cities in Texas also offer business grants, alongside a selection of national grants accessible to small businesses nationwide.
Texas state small-business grants
Texas Workforce Commission’s Skills for Small Business Grant Program
The Skills for Small Business Program by the Texas Workforce Commission offers grants to small businesses for training their full-time employees. Eligible businesses with fewer than 100 employees can receive up to $1,800 per year for new employees and $900 for existing ones. Training opportunities are available through local community colleges, technical colleges, or the Texas Engineering Extension Service. Applications for the grant program are accepted online year-round.
Center for Women Entrepreneurs Start HER Grant
The Center for Women Entrepreneurs at Texas Women’s University offers Start HER Grants worth $5,000 to women-owned small businesses in Texas. This year, twenty-five grants will be given to businesses that are at least 51% owned or controlled by women who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Eligible businesses must have no more than five full-time employees, with two part-time employees considered equivalent to one full-time employee. Start HER Grant funds can be utilized for various purposes, including purchasing equipment, inventory, or raw materials, as well as for marketing and social media campaigns. Applications for this year’s grant cycle will be accepted from September 3 to October 4, 2024.
Texas State Trade Expansion Program
The Texas State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) aims to promote Texas businesses’ exports to foreign markets and enhance the value of exported goods and services. Through STEP, eligible small businesses can receive grants of up to $10,000 to participate in select export activities, with a requirement to match 25% of the grant award, capped at $2,500. To qualify, businesses must be organized and operating in the U.S., meet industry-based size standards, have been in operation for at least one year, and demonstrate knowledge of exporting costs and business transactions with foreign purchasers. Additionally, businesses must have a product or service that is manufactured, produced, processed, or adds value in Texas.
The Young Farmer Grant
The Young Farmer Grant program, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, aims to foster the growth and sustainability of Texas agriculture. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 and are reimbursed up to 50% of the expense. The program operates biannually in spring and fall. These funds are intended for starting or expanding agricultural businesses, not for maintaining existing operations. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens aged 18 to 45, residing and conducting their business in Texas.
SEE MORE: SAP Grants Management Solutions for Efficient Fund Allocation 2024.
The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF)
The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) provides grants to businesses aiming to establish a new facility or expand an existing one. Eligible projects must create a minimum of 75 full-time jobs in urban areas or 25 full-time jobs in rural areas, with wages meeting or exceeding the average county wage where the project will be situated. Additionally, local county government support is required for the project.
Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 per qualified job, determined by factors like average wage for new employees, job creation, and proposed capital investment. The application process involves thorough due diligence, assessing project competitiveness, economic impact, financial standing, tax status, credit ratings, and legal aspects, among other factors.
Aside from state programs, several cities in Texas provide grants to small-business entrepreneurs within their communities.
Open for Business Grant Program in Houston
The Open for Business Grant Program in Houston, sponsored by Wells Fargo, aims to support the mission of the Houston Equity Fund by investing in small businesses owned by diverse individuals with 100 or fewer employees in vulnerable communities. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000 and can be utilized for acquiring property, equipment, and other assets. The program operates in three rounds, with applications for round three opening in 2024.
Amegy Bank Small Business Boost Program
The Amegy Bank Small Business Boost Program, a collaboration between Amegy Bank and the Houston Texans football franchise, is open to small businesses in the broader Houston area. Recipients of the program receive a $5,000 grant, along with opportunities for events and support in marketing and promotion. Eligible businesses must be small, for-profit enterprises with annual revenues below $20 million and fewer than 500 employees.
Dayton Community Development Corporation grant programs
The Dayton Community Development Corporation provides grant programs tailored to small businesses in the Downtown District of Dayton. Eligible businesses must be located within specified areas in the city. The Dayton Downtown Improvement Grant offers up to $25,000, matching 50% of expenses for interior renovations, signage, landscaping, building improvements, and parking lot enhancements. Similarly, the Dayton Small Business Grant provides up to $7,500 for exterior projects and another $7,500 for interior projects, with a 50% match requirement.
San Antonio Economic Development Department grant programs
The San Antonio Economic Development Department provides grant programs tailored to small businesses within the city. These grants cover a range of needs such as exterior enhancements, noise reduction measures, outdoor amenity improvements, staffing increases, and market expansion efforts. Grant amounts range from $2,000 to $50,000, varying by program. For detailed information, including application deadlines, individuals can visit the EDD website.
Lubbock Economic Development Alliance grants
The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance offers grant programs accessible to businesses situated in downtown Lubbock or within specified commercial revitalization zones. The Commercial Revitalization Grant Program aims to aid in property improvement costs, with reimbursements ranging from 10% to 50% of eligible expenses, capped at $50,000 per project. Apart from meeting location criteria, applicants must either own or lease the property and be up-to-date on property taxes. Proposed improvements must align with city guidelines, and the grant disbursement must precede construction commencement.
The Alamo Small Business Grant Program
The Alamo Small Business Grant Program caters to businesses situated within the city of Alamo, offering a 50% reimbursement, capped at $2,500, for various projects including storefront enhancements, signage, repairs, renovations, and equipment acquisitions. To be eligible for the program, businesses must have operated continuously for at least 24 months, with the business owner holding a yearly lease. Applicants are required to submit an application detailing their business, project, and budget. Additionally, submission of tax returns for the past two years and documented leases demonstrating landlord approval for the project are necessary.
National grant programs available to Texas small businesses
Several small-business grants are not restricted to specific states or cities, including the following:
America’s Seed Fund
The America’s Seed Fund, available through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, supports small businesses in the technology sector. Eligible businesses must be for-profit entities operating in the U.S. with fewer than 500 employees. The program comprises three phases: proof of concept, technology development, and commercialization. Awards are granted at different phases, ranging from $50,000 to $1.8 million.
Amber Grants
The Amber Grants, provided by Women’s Net, represent a prominent grant initiative for women entrepreneurs. These grants are awarded monthly and annually, with funding ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Businesses can apply online and will be considered for all available grant programs. To qualify for an Amber Grant, a business must be majority-owned by women and headquartered in either the U.S. or Canada.
NASE Growth Grant
The NASE Growth Grant, provided by the National Association for the Self-Employed, offers grants of up to $4,000 to business owners in the U.S. who have been active members of the organization for at least 90 days. Grant applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Applicants can apply online and are required to outline their financial need and detail how the funds will be utilized, as well as the anticipated impact on their business’s success.
Conclusion on Texas Small Business Grants.
Texas offers a diverse range of small business grants tailored to various industries, locations, and demographic groups. From state-wide initiatives like the Texas Enterprise Fund to city-specific programs such as the Dayton Community Development Corporation grants, there are opportunities available to support entrepreneurship and economic growth across the state. Additionally, specialized grants like the Young Farmer Grants and those offered by financial institutions like Amegy Bank further contribute to the vibrancy of Texas’s small business ecosystem.
With grants targeting specific needs such as technology innovation (America’s Seed Fund) and supporting underrepresented groups (Amber Grants for women entrepreneurs), Texas demonstrates a commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial landscape. Whether it’s funding for expansion, equipment purchases, or workforce development, these grants play a vital role in empowering small businesses to succeed and contribute to the state’s economic prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions on Texas Small Business Grants.
1. What types of small business grants are available in Texas?
Texas offers a variety of small business grants, including state-funded programs like the Texas Enterprise Fund and city-specific initiatives such as the Dayton Community Development Corporation grants.
2. Who is eligible to apply for Texas small business grants?
Eligibility criteria vary depending on the grant program, but generally, small businesses operating in Texas, meeting certain size and industry standards, are eligible to apply.
3. How do I find and apply for small business grants in Texas?
You can research available grants through government websites, economic development organizations, and grant databases. Applications are typically submitted online or through specified channels outlined by the grant-giving organization.
4. What are the typical grant amounts awarded to Texas small businesses?
Grant amounts vary widely, ranging from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on the program and the specific needs of the business.
5. What are some key criteria that grant-giving organizations look for in grant applications?
Grant-giving organizations often evaluate factors such as the business’s financial need, its potential for growth and impact on the community, as well as the feasibility and sustainability of the proposed project or business plan.
6. Are there any restrictions on how grant funds can be used?
Grant funds are typically earmarked for specific purposes outlined in the grant agreement, such as equipment purchases, workforce training, or marketing initiatives. It’s essential to adhere to these guidelines to maintain compliance.
7. How long does the grant application process typically take?
The duration of the application process varies depending on the complexity of the grant program and the volume of applications received. It can range from a few weeks to several months.
8. What are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for Texas small business grants?
Common mistakes include failing to thoroughly read and understand the grant guidelines, submitting incomplete or inaccurate applications, and not providing sufficient supporting documentation.
9. Are there any resources or organizations that can provide assistance with grant applications?
Yes, there are organizations such as Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and local economic development agencies that offer assistance with grant applications, including guidance on eligibility criteria and application requirements.
10. Can non-profit organizations apply for small business grants in Texas?
While some grant programs may be specifically targeted towards for-profit businesses, there are also grants available for non-profit organizations to support their entrepreneurial endeavors or community development projects.
