Women Owned Business Grants in Texas: Funding Programs and Resources

Women-owned businesses represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the Texas economy. Whether you are launching a new venture or scaling an established company, there are dedicated federal, state, and local programs designed to help women entrepreneurs access funding, procurement opportunities, and business development resources.

This guide covers the most important women owned business grant programs available in Texas, along with certification benefits, application strategies, and official sources for each program.

Federal Programs for Women-Owned Businesses

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program

The WOSB Federal Contracting Program is one of the most valuable resources for women-owned businesses. The federal government has a statutory goal of awarding at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses. Through this program, qualifying businesses can access sole-source contracts (up to $4.5 million for manufacturing, $7 million for other industries) and set-aside contracts in designated NAICS codes.

To qualify, the business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. Certification is available through the SBA's free self-certification process or through approved third-party certifiers. Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSBs) qualify for additional set-asides.

SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs)

The SBA funds Women's Business Centers across the country, and Texas has several active WBCs. These centers provide free or low-cost counseling, training, and mentorship specifically for women entrepreneurs. Services include business plan development, financial management training, access to capital guidance, and marketing assistance.

Texas WBCs are located in major metros including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin. They are an excellent starting point for women business owners who want to understand which programs they may qualify for.

SBA 8(a) Business Development Program

While not exclusively for women, the 8(a) program provides significant advantages for women who qualify as socially and economically disadvantaged. The program offers a nine-year development period with access to sole-source contracts, mentorship, and management and technical assistance. Women who qualify can combine 8(a) and WOSB certifications for maximum procurement advantage.

SBA Microloans

The SBA Microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit community-based lenders. While not a grant, microloans are designed to be accessible to entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank financing — and women business owners are a primary target population. Texas has multiple microloan intermediaries, and funds can be used for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, and equipment.

SBIR/STTR Programs

Women-owned businesses conducting research and development can apply to SBIR and STTR programs across 11 federal agencies. Several agencies, including the National Science Foundation and NIH, have specific outreach efforts and support programs for women-owned applicants. Phase I awards typically range from $50,000 to $275,000.

Texas State Programs

Texas HUB Certification

The Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program provides procurement preferences for state contracting. Women-owned businesses are eligible for HUB certification, which gives access to state contract set-asides and subcontracting requirements. The State of Texas has a goal of awarding 11.2% of total contract value to HUB-certified businesses.

HUB certification is free through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Certified businesses are listed in the state's HUB directory, which state agencies and prime contractors use to identify subcontracting opportunities.

Skills Development Fund

The Texas Workforce Commission's Skills Development Fund provides grants for customized workforce training. Women-owned businesses can partner with local community colleges to access these funds for employee training programs. This is particularly valuable for businesses in manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and skilled trades that need trained workers.

State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

Women-owned businesses looking to export can access STEP grants through the Texas Governor's Office. The program reimburses costs related to international trade shows, export training, and market development activities. This is a strong fit for product-based businesses ready to enter international markets.

Local Programs in Texas

Several Texas cities operate programs that are particularly beneficial for women-owned businesses:

• Houston: The City of Houston's Office of Business Opportunity runs small business certification programs, contract compliance programs, and connects women-owned businesses with procurement opportunities. Houston also has active Women's Business Centers.
• Dallas: Dallas County and the City of Dallas offer M/WBE certification programs and procurement preferences for city contracts. The North Texas SBDC network provides free counseling.
• San Antonio: San Antonio's Small Business Office administers a Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) program with contracting preferences for city and county projects.
• Austin: The City of Austin has an MBE/WBE certification program and offers small business grants through its Economic Development Department.

Private and Nonprofit Grant Programs

In addition to government programs, several private and nonprofit organizations offer grants specifically for women business owners. While our screening tool focuses on verified government programs, these additional resources are worth exploring:

• Amber Grant Foundation: Awards monthly $10,000 grants to women-owned businesses, with an annual $25,000 award.
• IFundWomen: Provides access to grants, coaching, and funding opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
• National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO): Provides networking, advocacy, and access to resources through local Texas chapters.

Certification Strategy for Maximum Benefit

Women business owners in Texas should consider stacking certifications for maximum procurement advantage:

1. WOSB or EDWOSB: Federal contracting set-asides (free through SBA).
2. Texas HUB: State contracting preferences (free through Texas Comptroller).
3. SBA 8(a): If eligible, provides sole-source contracting authority and mentorship.
4. City-level M/WBE: Local contracting preferences (varies by city).

Each certification opens a different set of contracting opportunities, and they can be combined. A business with WOSB, HUB, and local M/WBE certification can access federal, state, and local set-aside contracts simultaneously.

How to Get Started

1. Start with WOSB certification: It is free and opens access to federal contracting set-asides.
2. Apply for Texas HUB certification: Also free, and opens state-level procurement preferences.
3. Connect with your local WBC: Get personalized guidance on which programs match your business.
4. Register on SAM.gov: Required for all federal contracting opportunities.
5. Screen for all programs: Many women-owned businesses qualify for general programs (not just women-specific ones) based on their industry, location, and activities.

Find Programs That May Fit Your Business

Women-owned businesses in Texas are often eligible for programs across multiple categories — not just women-specific ones. Your industry, location, business size, and activities all determine which of the 150+ verified programs in our database may match your business.

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 →