Women own over 1.1 million businesses in Texas, representing one of the fastest-growing segments of the state’s economy. While there are relatively few grant programs exclusively for women-owned businesses, there is a substantial landscape of government programs where women-owned businesses receive priority, enhanced access, or dedicated support. This guide covers the real programs available in 2026, what they actually provide, and how to access them.
Federal Certification: WOSB and EDWOSB
The most impactful federal program for women-owned businesses is the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program, administered by the SBA. This program reserves certain federal contracts exclusively for certified WOSBs and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSBs).
What Certification Provides
- Access to sole-source and set-aside federal contracts in designated NAICS codes
- Eligibility for the federal government’s 5% women-owned business contracting goal
- Recognition by prime contractors seeking to meet subcontracting diversity goals
How to Get Certified
WOSB certification is free through the SBA’s certification portal at beta.certify.sba.gov. The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are US citizens, and women must manage the day-to-day operations. Third-party certification is also accepted through approved organizations.
Texas HUB Certification
The Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certification is available to businesses that are at least 51% owned by women (as well as minorities, veterans, and service-disabled veterans). HUB certification opens access to state procurement opportunities. Texas state agencies are required to make good-faith efforts to meet HUB utilization goals, which means certified businesses receive procurement preference.
HUB certification is free through the Texas Comptroller’s office. The application requires documentation of ownership, control, and business operations. Once certified, your business is listed in the state’s HUB directory, which state agencies and prime contractors use to identify subcontracting partners.
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Women who are both socially and economically disadvantaged may qualify for the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program. This nine-year program provides access to sole-source and set-aside federal contracts, mentoring, management and technical assistance, and business development support. The program is not exclusively for women, but women who meet the social and economic disadvantage criteria can participate.
SBA Women’s Business Centers
Texas is home to several SBA-funded Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) that provide free or low-cost counseling, training, and mentoring specifically for women entrepreneurs. WBCs are located in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and other Texas cities. Services include business plan development, financial management training, access to capital assistance, government contracting guidance, and marketing support.
SBA Microloans
The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. While not a grant, microloans are often more accessible to women-owned businesses than conventional bank financing. Several Texas microloan intermediaries specifically focus on serving women and minority entrepreneurs. Interest rates are typically below conventional market rates, and some intermediaries offer technical assistance alongside the loan.
CDFI and Community Lending Programs
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in Texas provide lending and technical assistance to underserved populations, including women business owners. Texas CDFIs like LiftFund (headquartered in San Antonio) and PeopleFund (based in Austin) specifically serve women entrepreneurs with loans, microloans, and business support programs. Some CDFIs offer grants or forgivable loans for businesses in designated communities.
Private Grant Programs
Several private organizations offer grants to women-owned businesses, though competition is typically intense. These include programs from organizations like the Amber Grant Foundation, IFundWomen, and various corporate-sponsored programs. These are not government programs and are not included in our screening report, but they may be worth investigating as supplementary funding sources.
Programs Available to All Texas Businesses
Women-owned businesses in Texas also qualify for the full range of general business programs, including:
- Skills Development Fund and Skills for Small Business training grants
- SBA 7(a) loans up to $5 million
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit for qualifying new hires
- Federal and Texas R&D tax credits
- Manufacturing equipment tax exemptions
- Local property tax abatements and economic development agreements
Getting Started
The most valuable first step for most women-owned businesses is getting certified, both as a WOSB at the federal level and as a HUB at the state level. Both certifications are free and open access to procurement opportunities worth billions annually. Beyond certification, our screening report matches your business against 150+ verified programs, including grants, tax credits, loans, and incentives, to show you everything you may qualify for. Start your free screening →