Texas business owners searching for “government grants near me” are looking for programs funded and administered by government agencies — federal, state, or local. While the term “grant” implies free money, the reality is that most government business assistance in Texas comes through a broader set of programs including grants, tax credits, subsidized loans, workforce training funds, and procurement preferences.
This guide explains the real government programs available to Texas businesses and how to find the ones near you.
Federal Government Programs
Federal programs are the largest source of government business assistance. They are available to Texas businesses regardless of city or county location:
- SBIR/STTR Grants: Research grants from 11 federal agencies for small businesses developing innovative technology. Phase I awards range from $50,000 to $275,000. Texas SBIR guide.
- SBA Lending Programs: Government-guaranteed loans through local lenders, including 7(a) loans up to $5 million and 504 loans for real estate and equipment. SBA 7(a) guide.
- USDA Rural Programs: Grants and loans for businesses in rural Texas, including REAP energy grants and Business & Industry loans. USDA programs guide.
- Federal Tax Credits: R&D Tax Credit, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, and Section 179 deductions are available to qualifying Texas businesses.
Texas State Government Programs
- Texas Enterprise Fund: Direct cash grants for businesses creating significant jobs and capital investment. TEF guide.
- Skills Development Fund: Workforce training grants administered through the Texas Workforce Commission. Skills Fund guide.
- HUB Program: Procurement preferences for historically underutilized businesses contracting with state agencies. HUB guide.
- Property Tax Abatements: Partial or full exemptions from local property taxes for qualifying business investments. Abatement guide.
Local Government Programs
Cities and counties in Texas administer their own incentive programs under Chapter 380 (cities) and Chapter 381 (counties) of the Texas Local Government Code. These programs vary significantly by jurisdiction but commonly include:
- Small business micro-grants ($2,500 to $25,000)
- Property tax abatements and rebates
- Infrastructure cost sharing
- Facade improvement grants
- Fee waivers for permits and licensing
To find programs in your specific area, contact your city’s economic development department or county economic development corporation. Major Texas cities with active programs include Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin.
How to Verify a Government Program Is Legitimate
- Check the administering agency. Real programs are run by named government agencies with .gov or .texas.gov websites.
- Look for published eligibility criteria. Legitimate programs have specific, publicly available requirements.
- Confirm there is no upfront fee to apply. Government programs do not charge application fees. How to avoid grant scams.
- Verify on Grants.gov or SAM.gov. Federal grants are listed on these official portals.
Find Government Programs That May Fit
Government programs exist at every level — federal, state, and local — but finding the right ones requires matching your business to specific eligibility criteria. Our free screening report checks your business against 150+ verified government programs and shows you which ones may match. Start your free screening →