The U.S. Small Business Administration operates some of the most important funding and support programs available to Texas businesses. From loan guarantees and contracting preferences to counseling services and disaster assistance, SBA programs cover a wide range of business needs. This guide provides an overview of every major SBA program available to Texas businesses.
SBA Loan Programs
7(a) Loan Program
The 7(a) program is the SBA's primary loan program. It provides guarantees to participating lenders, reducing their risk and making it easier for small businesses to access capital. Key details:
- Maximum loan amount: $5 million
- Uses: working capital, equipment, real estate, refinancing
- Terms: up to 10 years for working capital, up to 25 years for real estate
- The SBA guarantees a portion of the loan, not the full amount
- Borrowers apply through SBA-approved lenders, not directly through the SBA
504 Loan Program
The 504 program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major assets. It works through Certified Development Companies (CDCs) and is structured as a partnership between the borrower, a conventional lender, and the CDC. Key details:
- Typically used for real estate and heavy equipment
- Borrower provides 10% down payment (sometimes 15-20%)
- Fixed interest rate on the CDC portion
- Terms: 10, 20, or 25 years
- Must create or retain jobs, or meet other public policy goals
Microloan Program
The microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. These are designed for startups and small businesses that need smaller amounts of capital. Several Texas organizations serve as SBA microloan intermediaries, including LiftFund (headquartered in San Antonio) and other community lenders.
SBA Contracting Programs
8(a) Business Development Program
The 8(a) program provides federal contracting preferences and business development support to socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. Participants can receive sole-source contracts up to certain thresholds and compete in set-aside procurements. The program lasts nine years and includes mentoring and training components.
HUBZone Program
The Historically Underutilized Business Zones program provides contracting preferences to small businesses located in designated HUBZones and that employ residents of those zones. Multiple areas across Texas are designated as HUBZones, including portions of Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso, and many rural counties.
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program
The WOSB program provides federal contracting set-asides for women-owned businesses in industries where women are underrepresented. Certification is available through the SBA or approved third-party certifiers.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
SDVOSB certification provides federal contracting preferences for businesses owned by service-disabled veterans. The federal government has a 3% contracting goal for SDVOSBs.
SBA Grant Programs
SBIR and STTR
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide competitive grants for R&D. Eleven federal agencies participate. Phase I awards typically range from $50,000 to $275,000 for feasibility studies. Phase II awards can reach $1 million or more for full development. Texas businesses in technology, life sciences, defense, and energy are strong candidates.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
STEP grants help small businesses expand into international markets by reimbursing costs for trade shows, trade missions, export training, and international marketing. In Texas, STEP grants are administered through a designated state agency. See our export assistance guide.
SBA Counseling and Training
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Texas has one of the largest SBDC networks in the country, with centers hosted at universities and community colleges statewide. SBDCs provide free, confidential business counseling on business plans, financial projections, marketing, government contracting, and funding applications.
SCORE
SCORE provides free mentoring from experienced business professionals. Texas has active SCORE chapters in every major metro area. Mentors offer guidance on business planning, operations, marketing, and financial management.
Women's Business Centers (WBCs)
WBCs provide counseling, training, and resources specifically for women entrepreneurs. Texas has multiple WBCs serving different regions of the state.
SBA Disaster Assistance
When a disaster is declared in Texas, the SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses recover. These include Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for working capital needs caused by the disaster and physical disaster loans for property damage. Given Texas's exposure to hurricanes, flooding, and severe weather, this program is particularly relevant.
SBA District Offices in Texas
Texas has multiple SBA district offices that serve different regions:
- Houston District Office
- Dallas/Fort Worth District Office
- San Antonio District Office
- El Paso District Office
- Lubbock District Office
- Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office (Harlingen)
Each district office provides direct access to SBA programs and can connect businesses with local lenders, counseling resources, and contracting officers.
Find SBA and Other Programs That May Fit
SBA programs are just one part of the Texas business funding landscape. Our free screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs — SBA programs, state grants, tax credits, and local incentives — and shows you which ones may match. Start your free screening →