Small Business Grants in Texas: Complete Guide 2026

Overview of Small Business Grants in Texas

Texas, the second-largest state economy, offers a massive landscape of funding opportunities for small businesses. From Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio to El Paso, the Rio Grande Valley, and West Texas, entrepreneurs can access diverse programs at every level. Many Texas business owners ask how to find grants in such a large state — the key is knowing your region's economic development organization and the statewide programs available.

Top Federal Grants Available to Texas Businesses

Texas receives enormous federal grant funding across every sector. NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston drives aerospace grants. Multiple military installations create defense SBIR/STTR opportunities. The USDA supports agricultural and rural businesses across the vast rural areas of the state.

• SBIR/STTR grants from NASA, DOD, DOE, NIH, and others
• NASA grants for aerospace and space technology businesses
• DOD grants via multiple Texas military installations
• USDA Rural Development grants
• SBA microloans through multiple Texas district offices
• HUD Community Development Block Grants

Texas State-Specific Grant Programs

The Office of the Governor's Economic Development and Tourism Division (Texas Economic Development & Tourism) administers the Texas Enterprise Fund for major business relocations, the Texas Enterprise Zone Program for job creation in distressed areas, and the Skills Development Fund for workforce training. The Texas Emerging Technology Fund supports technology startups, and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) provides significant funding for cancer-related businesses.

Austin's tech ecosystem is world-class, with resources like Capital Factory and Techstars. Houston's energy transition creates new funding channels. Dallas-Fort Worth's corporate ecosystem provides access to corporate venture capital. San Antonio's cybersecurity hub, anchored by military installations, drives defense tech opportunities. The Texas Small Business Development Center network, one of the largest in the nation, provides free advising.

Eligibility Requirements

Texas programs require state registration, SBA compliance, and program-specific criteria. The Texas Enterprise Fund requires significant job creation and capital investment commitments. Enterprise Zone benefits require locating in a designated zone and hiring zone residents. Skills Development Fund requires a training partnership with a public community or technical college. CPRIT grants require cancer research or prevention focus.

How to Apply for Grants in Texas

• Register on SAM.gov for federal grants
• Review Texas Economic Development & Tourism programs
• Connect with your regional economic development organization
• Contact the Texas SBDC for free application assistance
• Explore metro-specific programs in your city

Tips for Texas Applicants

Texas is large enough that regional economic development organizations are often your best first contact. Each major metro has distinct strengths: Austin for tech, Houston for energy and healthcare, DFW for corporate headquarters and logistics, San Antonio for cybersecurity and biosciences. Rural Texas businesses should explore USDA and Enterprise Zone programs. CPRIT is one of the largest state cancer research funding sources in the nation. The Skills Development Fund is underutilized — partner with your local community college.

Browse all Texas grants