Veteran Owned Business Grants in Texas: Programs You Should Know

Texas is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, and veteran-owned businesses have access to a strong set of federal, state, and local programs designed specifically for them. From procurement preferences and dedicated grants to training programs and mentorship networks, veteran entrepreneurs in Texas have more resources available than most realize.

This guide covers the most important veteran owned business grant programs in Texas, how to qualify, and where to find official information for each one.

Federal Programs for Veteran Business Owners

SBA Boots to Business Program

Boots to Business is the SBA's entrepreneurship training program for transitioning service members and their spouses. The program provides a two-step introduction to business ownership: an introductory course offered on military installations, followed by an eight-week online course covering business plan development, market research, and financing options.

While this is not a direct grant, Boots to Business is free and provides a foundation for accessing other SBA programs. Graduates are connected to SBA resource partners including Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), which can help identify grant opportunities.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program

The SDVOSB program provides federal contracting preferences to businesses owned by service-disabled veterans. The federal government has a goal of awarding at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs. For qualifying businesses, this opens access to sole-source and set-aside contracts that non-certified businesses cannot bid on.

To qualify, the business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran. Certification is managed through the SBA's VetCert portal, which replaced the previous VA verification process.

Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Certification

Even without a service-connected disability, veteran-owned businesses can obtain VOSB certification through the SBA. While VOSB certification does not carry the same sole-source contracting authority as SDVOSB, it still provides visibility in the federal marketplace and can be combined with other certifications (like HUBZone or 8(a)) for additional advantages.

SBA 7(a) and Microloan Programs

Veterans are priority borrowers under several SBA lending programs. The SBA's Veterans Advantage program reduces or eliminates certain fees on SBA-guaranteed loans for veteran-owned businesses. SBA Microloans (up to $50,000) are available through community-based lenders in Texas and can be used for working capital, inventory, equipment, and other startup costs.

SBIR/STTR Programs

Veteran-owned businesses conducting research and development can apply to SBIR and STTR programs across 11 federal agencies. While these programs are not veteran-specific, several agencies give preferential consideration to veteran-owned applicants. Phase I awards range from $50,000 to $275,000, with Phase II funding up to $1 million or more.

Texas State Programs for Veterans

Texas Veterans Commission Business Resources

The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) provides business development resources and connections for veteran entrepreneurs. While the TVC does not directly administer grant programs, it serves as a clearinghouse for veteran business resources across the state and can connect veteran business owners with relevant programs at every level of government.

HUB Certification

Texas operates the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program, which provides procurement preferences for state contracting. Service- disabled veteran-owned businesses qualify for HUB certification, which gives access to state contract set-asides and subcontracting requirements. The State of Texas has a goal of awarding at least 11.2% of total contract value to HUB-certified businesses.

Skills Development Fund

The Texas Workforce Commission's Skills Development Fund provides grants for customized workforce training. While not veteran-specific, veteran-owned businesses can partner with local community colleges to access these funds for employee training. Awards can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars depending on the training scope.

Texas Enterprise Fund

The state's deal-closing fund is available to any qualifying Texas business, including veteran-owned operations. Businesses creating jobs and making capital investments in Texas can apply for TEF awards, which have ranged from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

Local and Regional Programs

Several Texas cities and counties offer programs that are particularly accessible to veteran-owned businesses:

• City of Houston: Houston's Office of Business Opportunity administers small business programs that include set-asides and preferences for veteran-owned businesses.
• City of San Antonio: San Antonio's economic development programs include veteran business resources and procurement preferences through the Small Business Office.
• City of Dallas: Dallas offers small business assistance programs and connects veteran entrepreneurs with local resources through the Office of Economic Development.
• Fort Hood / Killeen area: The area around Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos) has an active veteran business community with local support organizations and PTAC resources.

Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) in Texas

The SBA funds Veterans Business Outreach Centers across the country, and Texas is served by multiple VBOCs. These centers provide free business counseling, training, and mentorship specifically for veteran entrepreneurs. Services include business plan development, financial analysis, and connections to funding sources.

VBOCs are one of the best starting points for veteran business owners who are not sure which programs they qualify for, because counselors can evaluate your situation and point you to the most relevant programs at the federal, state, and local level.

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs)

Texas PTACs provide free counseling to help businesses navigate government contracting. For veteran-owned businesses, PTACs can help with registration in SAM.gov, understanding solicitations, preparing proposals, and leveraging SDVOSB or VOSB certification for contract opportunities.

There are multiple PTAC offices across Texas, and their services are free. If your business is interested in government contracts — which represent a significant funding channel for veteran-owned businesses — connecting with your local PTAC should be a priority.

Steps to Access Veteran Business Programs

1. Get certified: If you qualify for SDVOSB or VOSB certification, start the process through the SBA's VetCert portal. Also explore HUB certification through the Texas Comptroller's office.
2. Register on SAM.gov: Active registration in the System for Award Management is required for all federal contracting opportunities.
3. Connect with your local VBOC: A VBOC counselor can help you identify the specific programs that match your business profile.
4. Explore SBA lending programs: If you need capital, the SBA Veterans Advantage loan program and Microloan program are designed to be accessible to veteran entrepreneurs.
5. Check city and county programs: Your local economic development office may have additional programs that are not widely advertised.

Find Programs That May Fit Your Business

Veteran-owned businesses in Texas are often eligible for more programs than they realize. Between federal set-asides, state HUB preferences, SBA lending programs, and local incentives, the landscape is broad — and navigating it manually is time-consuming.

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 →