Hispanic entrepreneurs own more businesses in Texas than in nearly any other state. The Hispanic business community drives significant economic activity across construction, retail, food services, professional services, and technology. Federal, state, and local programs provide certification-based procurement advantages, lending resources, and technical assistance that Hispanic business owners may be eligible for.
This guide covers the specific programs and resources available to Hispanic-owned businesses in Texas based on published program criteria.
Federal Programs
SBA 8(a) Business Development
Hispanic Americans are presumed to be socially disadvantaged under SBA regulations, making the 8(a) program particularly accessible. The 8(a) program provides:
- Federal sole-source contracts up to $4 million ($7 million for manufacturing)
- Competitive set-asides restricted to 8(a) participants
- Joint venture opportunities with larger firms
- Nine years of business development support, mentoring, and procurement assistance
Applicants must also demonstrate economic disadvantage through personal net worth limitations. The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by the qualifying individual.
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
The MBDA operates business centers in Texas that provide consulting services to minority-owned businesses. MBDA services include government contract assistance, capital access support, strategic planning, and international trade development.
SBA Programs
SBA programs are available to all eligible small businesses, and Texas SBA offices actively serve the Hispanic business community:
- SBA 7(a) and 504 loans: Government-backed lending with lower down payments and longer terms. SBA 7(a) guide.
- SBA Microloans: Up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders, some with Spanish-language services.
- Community Advantage: SBA lending through mission-driven lenders focused on underserved communities.
Texas State Programs
Texas HUB Certification
Hispanic American is a qualifying minority category for the Texas HUB program. HUB certification is free and provides access to state contracting preferences. State agencies must make good faith efforts to meet HUB utilization goals, creating meaningful opportunities for certified businesses. HUB program guide.
Skills Development Fund
The Skills Development Fund provides customized workforce training grants through community college partnerships. Hispanic-owned businesses can use these grants to train employees at no direct training cost to the business. Skills Development Fund guide.
TSBCI Capital Access
The Texas State Business Credit Initiative supports capital access for small businesses through participating lenders. Businesses in underserved communities may find these programs particularly helpful when traditional lending falls short.
Local Programs
City MBE Certifications
Major Texas cities operate minority business certification programs with Hispanic-owned business categories:
- Houston M/WBE: City contracting preferences through the Office of Business Opportunity.
- San Antonio SBEDA: San Antonio has one of the strongest Hispanic business communities in Texas and offers procurement preferences for certified businesses.
- Dallas Business Inclusion: Minority-owned business procurement goals on city projects.
- El Paso: El Paso's procurement programs actively support the city's majority-Hispanic business community. El Paso County business grants guide.
- Austin MBE: City-level procurement preferences for certified minority-owned businesses.
Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
Texas has one of the strongest networks of Hispanic chambers of commerce in the country. These organizations provide networking, advocacy, business development, and connections to funding resources. Major Hispanic chambers operate in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, El Paso, and other Texas cities. The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) coordinates statewide advocacy and programming.
CDFI and Community Lending
CDFIs serving the Hispanic community in Texas include:
- LiftFund: Based in San Antonio, one of the nation's largest CDFIs, with deep roots in the Hispanic business community.
- BCL of Texas: Statewide small business lending and SBA microloan intermediary.
- PeopleFund: Austin-based CDFI with Spanish-language services.
- Local credit unions and community banks: Some institutions offer specialized programs for Hispanic-owned businesses and provide bilingual services.
Business Development Resources
- SBDCs: Many Texas SBDCs offer Spanish-language counseling and workshops. The University of Texas at San Antonio and University of Houston SBDCs actively serve Hispanic entrepreneurs.
- SCORE: Free business mentoring, with some chapters offering bilingual mentors.
- SBA Emerging Leaders: Intensive business training programs offered in Texas cities with significant Hispanic business populations.
Stacking Programs
Hispanic business owners can stack certifications and programs for maximum access:
- SBA 8(a): Federal contracting and business development support.
- Texas HUB: State contracting preferences.
- City MBE: Local contracting preferences.
- HUBZone: If in a qualifying location.
- CDFI lending: Flexible capital access.
- Workforce training grants: Skills Development Fund and WIOA.
For a broader overview of minority business programs, see our minority business grants guide.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Hispanic-owned businesses in Texas can access a deep stack of federal, state, and local programs. Most business owners miss programs because there are simply too many to research on your own.
Not sure which programs may fit your business? Our free screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs — grants, tax credits, loans, and incentives — and shows you which ones may match. Start your free screening →