Successful businesses have one thing in common: they earn more than they spend.
The professional terms for your income and expenditures are credits and debits, which determine your cash flow. The money that comes in and out of your business account and what’s left after paying your bills.
To be a successful business, you need a consistent cash flow and enough funds to get you through a slow month or three!
Most Texas small businesses also have one thing in common: they require funding, which can mean using personal resources, seeking outside investment in return for a percentage share of your business, or, if you`re eligible, getting a non-repayable grant.
Small business grants are financial awards that do not require repayment and are given to business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in certain industries or who meet certain specific criteria.
The non-repayment part separates a grant from traditional loans and investment from Venture Capitalists who seek equity (a percentage of your business).
Grant resources include federal and state governments, private corporations, and nonprofit organizations.
Small business grants offer many benefits, especially for start-ups, early-stage businesses, and those looking to expand. They provide funding without debt, enabling you to invest in and grow your business.
Texas offers state-specific grant programs to help your small business, particularly those owned by women, minorities, economically disadvantaged individuals, and entrepreneurs whose businesses will create sustainable employment.
These grants exist to encourage economic development, job creation, and innovation throughout the state.
By taking advantage of Texas state-specific grant opportunities in 2025, you could secure the funding you need to start or grow your businesses.
The MWBE program promotes the growth and success of minority- and women-owned businesses in Texas.
The Texas Woman’s University Center for Women Entrepreneurs provides grants to businesses across the Lone Star State to help female entrepreneurs and small business owners pay for equipment, inventory, or improvements to their business property.
TWC’s Skills for Small Business grant program offers funding to assist small businesses in training their full-time employees who can enroll in a local community or technical college.
Grants are up to $1,800 annually for new employees and $900 for existing ones.
You must have less than 100 employees; visit the Texas Workforce Commission’s website to learn how to apply.
It offers $50,000 in funding and shares it with 10 successful business applicants.
The application opens each August, and they announce the winners in September.
Your business must be a for-profit company with revenue between $100,000 and $5 million, two or more employees, and a Texas location.
Industry-specific and niche grants support businesses within particular sectors, or that address specific market needs to encourage innovation and growth in technology, healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy, and the arts.
Unlike general small business grants, industry-specific and niche grants focus on the unique challenges and opportunities within specific industries.
Government agencies, private foundations, or industry associations provide these grants to cater to specialized businesses or projects, such as minority-owned enterprises, women-led startups, and sustainability-focused initiatives.
Successful applicants gain funding to support innovation, research, increased visibility, and enhanced market credibility.
The EFT supports Texas-based technology startups and small businesses that research, develop, and commercialize innovative products and services.
The grant aims to encourage economic development in Texas by funding projects that increase the state’s competitiveness in various technology sectors, including nanotechnology, biotechnology, and information technology.
The Texas TCA provides grants to individual artists, arts organizations, and various cultural initiatives in Texas.
The grant aims to develop and promote the arts and culture throughout the state and includes arts education, performance, and visual arts.
Available to individual artists and organizations living in Texas. For more information on how to apply, visit the Texas Commission of the Arts government website.
Entrepreneurs who want to start an agricultural business that enhances the growth and competitiveness of vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants can apply for one of several grants from the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Grants support education initiatives, research, and marketing to benefit Texas growers and consumers.
Producers, farmers, and other organizations that grow specialty crops within Texas State. Each grant has specific eligibility and application requirements; visit the Department of Agriculture website for more information.
Government agencies provide federal grants for specific projects, initiatives, and research.
Small businesses often need federal grants to pursue innovative ideas, expand operations, or engage in research and development.
Texas businesses can benefit from federal grants as they offer resources to various industries that thrive in the Lone Star State, including agriculture, healthcare, technology, and energy.
Various grants are available, each with unique eligibility criteria and application processes, so exploring your options is crucial to ensure they meet your business objectives.
Grants.gov is a hub for federal funding agencies that provide grants to individuals and businesses.
The website lists 26 federal grant agencies and over 900 grant programs that offer $400 billion in grants annually.
There are two essential eligibility requirements:
For further information about grant applications and eligibility, visit the Grants.gov website.
The SBIR grants program, provided by America’s Seed Fund, supports small businesses and entrepreneurs with innovative technology or scientific solutions.
It funds research and development projects with the potential for future commercialization.
Visit the SBIR Program website to learn how it works and how to apply.
The SBA provides numerous grants and other funding opportunities to small businesses in the U.S.
SBA grants support entrepreneurship through training programs and counseling to encourage economic innovation and development.
Grants the SBA provides include:
Visit the SBA website for grant opportunities relative to your business and application instructions.
Private businesses and philanthropic organizations provide corporate and private foundation grants to support projects, initiatives, or research that align with their mission or social responsibility goals.
Unlike government grants, corporate and private foundation grants focus on specific sectors or social issues, including community development, education, sustainability, and innovation. These grants can provide essential funding for small businesses to drive growth, enhance operations, and create community engagement.
FedEx offers an annual grant contest to support small businesses with cash awards and FedEx services. In 2024, FedEx awarded nine $20,000 grants and one $50,000 to the lucky applicant.
Your business must be in a historic U.S. main street, commercial, or downtown district. Applications are closed until 2025.
Regardless of the grant you apply for, you must follow the application process and comply with its requirements; here are some tips to help you:
Review eligibility requirements: Ensure your business meets the specific criteria for each grant program.
Create a comprehensive proposal: Articulate your business goals, how you`ll use the funds, and the expected positive impact on your business and community.
Compile required documentation: Gather necessary documents, such as financial statements, tax returns, and business plans.
Follow application guidelines: Follow instructions and comply with the deadlines.
Seek help: For guidance throughout the application process, use resources like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Now you know your small business grant options in Texas, including private providers, federal and local government programs, and where to find them.
The keys to gaining grant approval are first applying for one your business is eligible for and following the application process to the letter.
After that, the grant provider will decide whether you get one. If you fail at the first attempt, don`t give up; apply again because, as the saying goes, “You can’t win if you`re not in.”
Good luck.
This portion of our website is for informational purposes only. Tailor Brands is not a law firm, and none of the information on this website constitutes or is intended to convey legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, Tailor Brands is not responsible for the information and/or its accuracy or completeness. It also does not indicate any affiliation between Tailor Brands and any other brands, services or logos.
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