Texas

Texas offers numerous programs to support small businesses with job training, funding, and growth initiatives. Programs like Skills for Small Business and the Texas Job Creators Grant provide training resources and financial assistance to help diverse and small businesses thrive in Texas’s competitive economy.

Skills for Small Business

• Purpose: Provides customized job training to enhance workforce skills and competitiveness for small businesses in Texas.
• Eligibility: Texas businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
• Benefit: Up to $1,800 for each new employee (hired within the last 12 months) and up to $900 for existing employees per 12-month period.
• Application: Through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
• More info: Training is delivered through local community or technical colleges or TEEX.

Texas Job Creators Grant

• Purpose: Supports diverse-owned small businesses.
• Eligibility: Texas-based small businesses with founders from specific categories (Latinx, Black, Asian, LGBTQ+, military veteran, women, or low-to-moderate income areas).
• Benefit: $4,000 grants awarded to 25 businesses.
• Application: Opens in August 2024.
• More info: Focuses on underrepresented business owners and is offered annually.

Center for Women Entrepreneurs StartHER Grant

• Purpose: Supports women-owned small businesses in Texas.
• Eligibility: Businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by women, with no more than five full-time employees.
• Benefit: $5,000 grants awarded to 25 businesses.
• Application: September 3 - October 4, 2024.
• More info: Funds can be used for equipment, inventory, marketing, and more.

Open for Business Grant Program (Houston)

• Purpose: Supports diverse-owned small businesses in vulnerable Houston communities.
• Eligibility: Diverse-owned businesses with 100 or fewer employees in specific Houston areas.
• Benefit: Grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000.
• Application: Through Wells Fargo and Houston Equity Fund.
• More info: Can be used for property, equipment, and other assets.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Community Grant (Houston)

• Purpose: Supports small businesses in Houston.
• Eligibility: Houston-based businesses that complete two small business resources on Verizon's platform.
• Benefit: $10,000 grants.
• Application: Check Verizon’s website for current deadlines.
• More info: Participation in Verizon’s digital readiness program is required.

Amegy Bank Small Business Boost Program (Houston)

• Purpose: Supports small businesses in the Greater Houston Area.
• Eligibility: Independently owned, for-profit companies in Greater Houston with annual revenues under $20 million.
• Benefit: $5,000 grants plus promotional opportunities.
• Application: Check with Amegy Bank for current application periods.
• More info: In partnership with the Houston Texans football franchise.

Alamo Small Business Grant Program

• Purpose: Supports small businesses in Alamo, Texas.
• Eligibility: Businesses based in Alamo for at least 24 consecutive months.
• Benefit: Grants up to $2,500 for commercial property improvements.
• Application: Through the city of Alamo.
• More info: Funds can be used for signage, building repairs, renovations, and equipment purchases.

Texas State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

• Purpose: Supports small businesses in expanding export activities.
• Eligibility: Small businesses looking to start or expand export operations.
• Benefit: Financial assistance for export-related activities.
• Application: Through the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
• More info: Aims to increase the number and value of small business exports.

Young Farmer Grant

• Purpose: Supports young agricultural producers in Texas.
• Eligibility: Agricultural producers creating or expanding an agricultural business in Texas.
• Benefit: Matching grant funds.
• Application: Through the Texas Department of Agriculture.
• More info: Aims to support the next generation of Texas farmers.