Texas small business owners have access to a broad network of resources funded by federal, state, and local government. These resources go well beyond grants — they include free advising, subsidized lending, workforce training, procurement assistance, tax incentives, and technical support programs. Finding the right resources requires knowing what exists and where to access it.
Free Advising and Mentoring
- SBDCs: Free, confidential business advising through the largest SBDC network in the country. Texas SBDCs are hosted at universities across the state. Find your SBDC.
- SCORE: Free volunteer mentor matching for business owners at any stage. Find your SCORE chapter.
- Women’s Business Centers: SBA-funded centers providing training and counseling for women entrepreneurs.
- Veterans Business Outreach Centers: Specialized support for veteran entrepreneurs. Veteran programs guide.
Lending and Capital Resources
- SBA-backed loans: 7(a), 504, and Microloan programs through local approved lenders. Texas loans guide.
- CDFI lenders: Community-based lenders serving businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank loans.
- USDA rural lending: Business & Industry loans and REAP grants for rural Texas businesses.
Workforce Training Resources
- Skills Development Fund: State-funded training grants through community college partnerships. Skills Fund guide.
- Workforce Solutions offices: Local workforce boards providing hiring assistance and training subsidies.
- Apprenticeship programs: State-supported registered apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship guide.
Tax Incentive Resources
- R&D Tax Credit: Federal credit for businesses conducting qualifying research activities. R&D guide.
- WOTC: Federal hiring tax credits for employers hiring from eligible target groups.
- Section 179: First-year deduction for qualifying equipment purchases.
- Property tax abatements: Local programs reducing property taxes for qualifying business investments. Abatement guide.
Procurement and Certification Resources
- HUB Certification: State procurement preferences. HUB guide.
- 8(a) Certification: Federal set-aside contracts for disadvantaged businesses. 8(a) guide.
- PTACs: Free government contracting assistance.
Incubators and Accelerators
Texas has a growing ecosystem of business incubators and accelerators, many of which are publicly funded or university affiliated. Find incubators near you.
Find the Right Resources
With hundreds of programs across multiple agencies and levels of government, identifying the right resources for your business requires matching your specific situation to program eligibility criteria. Our free screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs and shows you which ones may match. Start your free screening →