During the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas businesses had access to an unprecedented wave of emergency funding: PPP loans, EIDL loans and advances, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, Shuttered Venue grants, and various state and local relief programs. That era is over. The specific COVID relief programs have ended, and no new applications are being accepted for those programs.
However, the end of pandemic-specific funding does not mean the end of government support for Texas businesses. The landscape has returned to the pre-pandemic structure of ongoing federal, state, and local programs that existed before COVID — and in some cases, the pandemic spurred creation of new permanent programs or increased funding for existing ones.
COVID Relief Programs: Current Status
For clarity, here is the status of the major pandemic relief programs as of 2026:
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Closed to new applications since 2021. Forgiveness processing is complete or nearing completion for most borrowers.
- EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loans): Closed to new applications. Existing borrowers are in repayment. EIDL advance grants do not need to be repaid.
- Restaurant Revitalization Fund: Closed. All available funds were distributed.
- Shuttered Venue Operators Grant: Closed. All available funds were distributed.
- Employee Retention Credit (ERC): The IRS has been processing ERC claims with significant scrutiny. If you filed a claim, monitor its status. Be cautious of ERC "mills" that encouraged businesses to file questionable claims — the IRS has been auditing and in some cases denying or clawing back improper claims.
Ongoing Programs That Replace COVID Relief
The programs that existed before the pandemic — and which will continue regardless of COVID — are the foundation of the current Texas business incentive landscape:
Federal Programs
- SBIR/STTR grants: These research and development grants existed before COVID and continue unchanged. They are the largest source of true federal grant funding for small businesses.
- SBA lending programs: 7(a), 504, and microloan programs are fully operational and available year-round through approved lenders. Government-backed loans guide.
- USDA rural programs: Rural Business Development Grants, REAP energy grants, and B&I loan guarantees continue their normal funding cycles. Rural grants guide.
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit: Available for hiring from targeted groups, including veterans and long-term unemployed.
- R&D Tax Credit: The federal R&D credit continues unchanged. Tax credits guide.
Texas State Programs
- Texas Enterprise Fund: The state's primary deal-closing fund for expansion and relocation projects.
- Skills Development Fund: Workforce training grants through the Texas Workforce Commission. Workforce training guide.
- CPRIT: Cancer research and product development grants continue with significant funding.
- HUB Program: Procurement preferences for certified businesses. HUB certification guide.
- Texas franchise tax credits: R&D credit, clean energy credits, and other franchise tax reductions. Franchise tax credits guide.
Local Programs
- Property tax abatements: Cities and counties continue to offer abatements for qualifying investments.
- City economic development programs: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and other cities maintain active incentive programs. Houston programs. DFW programs. San Antonio programs.
- Utility rebates: Energy efficiency rebate programs continue through Texas utilities.
Post-Pandemic Changes to the Landscape
While the emergency relief programs ended, the pandemic did change the incentive landscape in some lasting ways:
- Increased SSBCI funding: The State Small Business Credit Initiative received substantially increased funding through pandemic recovery legislation. Texas is deploying these funds through the TSBCI program, providing credit support to small businesses through participating lenders. TSBCI and startup programs guide.
- Digital adoption awareness: The pandemic accelerated business adoption of digital tools and e-commerce. Some programs now include technology adoption and digital transformation as eligible activities.
- Broadband and infrastructure funding: Federal infrastructure legislation passed during the pandemic recovery period increased funding for rural broadband and other infrastructure that benefits businesses in underserved areas.
- Increased SBA outreach: The SBA's pandemic lending activity significantly expanded its reach and awareness among small business owners, and the agency has maintained enhanced outreach and counseling services.
What Texas Business Owners Should Do Now
- Stop looking for COVID relief. Those programs are closed. Redirect your energy to the ongoing programs described above.
- Resolve any outstanding COVID obligations. If you have EIDL loans in repayment, ensure you are meeting your obligations. If you have pending ERC claims, monitor their status and be prepared for potential IRS inquiries.
- Evaluate the current landscape fresh. Many business owners who discovered government programs through COVID relief have not explored the broader landscape of pre-existing programs. The ongoing programs may be less dramatic than PPP, but they provide real, recurring value. Full 2026 programs guide.
- Build your incentive infrastructure. Get your registrations, certifications, and documentation in order so you are ready to apply for programs year-round. Pre-application checklist.
Bottom Line
The COVID era of emergency business funding is over. But the underlying structure of government incentive programs — grants, tax credits, loan guarantees, workforce training, and procurement preferences — continues to provide meaningful support to Texas businesses. The programs available today are not emergency measures; they are permanent parts of the economic development infrastructure at the federal, state, and local levels. Businesses that learn to navigate this landscape will benefit long after the pandemic is a distant memory.
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 →