Startup Programs
Texas startups and new businesses may qualify for SBA microloans, SBIR/STTR research grants, CDFI lending programs, incubator and accelerator support, and early-stage incentives. Getting started is the hardest part — these programs exist to help.
Texas consistently ranks among the top states for new business formation, with tens of thousands of startups launching every year across technology, healthcare, energy, construction, and services. But new businesses face a well-documented funding gap: traditional bank loans are difficult to access without an established track record, and most government programs are geared toward existing businesses. The good news is that a meaningful set of federal and state programs specifically targets startups and early-stage businesses — from SBA microloans up to $50,000 to SBIR Phase 0 planning grants, CDFI lenders that specialize in pre-revenue businesses, and Texas-based incubators and accelerators that provide capital, mentoring, and workspace.
Programs
These are real government programs available to Texas startup businesses. Eligibility depends on your specific business profile.
Microloans up to $50,000 through SBA-approved intermediary lenders, designed for startups and early-stage small businesses. Average loan size is approximately $13,000. May be used for working capital, inventory, supplies, fixtures, or equipment.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program awards Phase I grants of up to $275,000 for technology feasibility research. Texas startups with innovative technology concepts may apply through 11 participating federal agencies. Some agencies offer Phase 0 planning grants.
SBA / 11 Federal Agencies
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) across Texas provide startup loans and microloans to new businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank lending. CDFIs combine financing with technical assistance and business planning support.
U.S. Treasury CDFI Fund / Local CDFIs
Texas-based incubators and accelerators provide startups with workspace, mentoring, networking, and in some cases seed funding. Programs like Capital Factory, Techstars, and university-affiliated incubators serve founders across multiple industries.
Various / University and Private Programs
SBA Community Advantage loans of up to $350,000 through mission-focused lenders targeting startups and underserved businesses. Designed to fill the gap between microloans and traditional SBA 7(a) loans for early-stage companies.
U.S. Small Business Administration
These are examples of programs in our database. Your screening report will show all programs that match your specific business profile, including programs from other categories that may apply.
Process
01
Tell us about your startup business — industry, location, size, and structure. No financials or tax IDs required.
02
Your profile is matched against verified government programs, including startup-specific grants, loans, tax credits, and incentives.
03
Receive a citation-backed screening report in under 60 seconds, showing programs you may qualify for with direct links to apply.
Why Screen
Most Texas startups assume government programs are only for established businesses. In reality, SBA microloans, SBIR research grants, CDFI lenders, and incubator programs are specifically designed for early-stage companies. The SBIR program alone awards over $4 billion annually to small businesses with innovative technology. Our screening report identifies every program your startup may qualify for, including programs most founders never find.
Official sources only
Every program is sourced from official government pages — never third-party directories.
Citation-backed results
Every match includes evidence from the original source so you can verify it yourself.
Money-back guarantee
Fewer than 5 matches? Full refund, no questions asked.
One screening report covers grants, loans, tax credits, and incentives across federal, state, and local programs. $49, results in 60 seconds.
Explore More
Further Reading
Texas tech startups can access SBIR/STTR grants, R&D tax credits with payroll tax offset for startups, CPRIT product dev...
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LoansSBA 7(a) loans are available to Texas startups, but approval requires strong personal credit, industry experience, meani...
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Business StagesPre-revenue startups face a tough funding landscape, but Texas offers several programs that can serve businesses at the ...
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Industry GuidesAustin tech startups can access SBIR innovation grants, R&D tax credits, NSF I-Corps, Capital Factory, Techstars, UT Aus...
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Screening disclaimer
This is a screening tool, not an approval engine. The programs listed on this page are examples of programs in our database that may be relevant to startup businesses. Government agencies set eligibility, funding, and application outcomes. Your report shows where to apply and what to verify directly with the agency.