Texas has one of the most active small-business economies in the country, with more than 3.5 million small businesses that employ roughly 45% of the workforce, according to the US Small Business Administration (SBA).

Like small businesses anywhere, however, Texas companies often face hurdles securing the funding needed to grow, and grant money can help address this challenge. Along with capital, business grant programs can provide resources such as training, visibility, and networking. Learn more about some of the top small business grants available to Texas business owners.

What are small business grants?

Small business grants provide funding that doesn’t need to be repaid, and in some cases, additional resources such as support and training, promotional opportunities, and networking. They are typically awarded by private companies, economic development agencies, universities, and nonprofits. Many business grant programs are mission-driven, specifically designed to help grant recipients achieve key growth milestones, encourage innovation in specific industries, or support women-owned businesses and other historically underserved groups.

Beyond traditional grants, businesses can also pursue grant-like programs, including pitch competitions that offer prizes and visibility, and fellowships that provide training, mentorship, and networking. These resources can be essential pathways for securing needed capital while connecting your small business with future opportunities for growth.

Get funding to run your business with Shopify Capital

Shopify Capital makes it easy to get funding quickly and use it for inventory, marketing, and more. Automatically make payments as a percentage of your daily sales. No compounding interest. No schedules. No surprises.

Explore Shopify Capital
Tips for applying for a business grant in Texas

The grant programs above are just some of the opportunities available to Texas small businesses. Use these tips to improve your chances of finding and winning funds:

Search strategically. Look for curated small business grant lists, and use databases such as Grants.gov and Candid Foundation Directory (a nonprofit database of US funders). 

Know the major funders. Many Texas organizations sponsor multiple grant programs each year, including the Texas Woman’s University’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs, TechFW, North Texas Innovation Alliance, and the Texas Workforce Commission.

Think nationally and locally. Don’t limit your search to state-level grants. National opportunities and city-specific programs in places like San Antonio, Alamo, and Dayton can be just as valuable for local businesses.

Check the grant details. Review grant guidelines carefully to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and understand how funds can be used. Note any upcoming deadlines, and consider signing up for alerts to stay on top of new opportunities.

Show your passion. Grant applications go beyond the numbers. Your written responses should reflect your voice and capture the passion that drove you to launch your small business.

Use supporting materials. Strengthen your application with documents and visuals that showcase your business. A detailed business plan can highlight your growth strategy, while high-quality photos or short videos can help funders see your products and brand in action.

10 Texas small business grants and pitch competitions

StartHER Grant
Veteran Woman Entrepreneur Grant
Skills for Small Business Program
Small Business Boost Program
Texas Rural Woman Grant
AccelerateHER Program
IgniteHTX and Lanzante Pitch Competitions
Annual FWHCC Business Pitch Competition
H-E-B Quest for Texas Best Pitch Competition
Texas A&M New Ventures Competition

Here are some of the most notable small business grants available to Texas small business owners:

1. StartHER Grant

Amount: $5,000 plus training and support

Eligibility: Women-owned small businesses in Texas with five or fewer full-time employees and founded within the past five years

Deadline: Every fall

The StartHER Grant, offered by Texas Woman’s University and its Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE), is designed to help early-stage women-owned businesses in Texas turn their ideas into revenue. Each year, 10 businesses receive grants to fund project-based initiatives that can generate revenue quickly. You can use the funds for needs like inventory and equipment purchases, certifications, property improvements, and advertising expenses to strengthen your business finances.

2. Veteran Woman Entrepreneur Grant

Amount: $5,000, plus training and support

Eligibility: Veteran women-owned small businesses in Texas, founded at least three years ago (military service documentation required)

Deadline: Every winter

CWE’s Veteran Woman Entrepreneur Grant supports veteran-owned businesses run by women in Texas. Each year, five recipients are awarded $5,000 to grow their companies. Funds can be applied toward revenue-generating activities such as inventory or advertising—not salaries, rent, or taxes.

3. Skills for Small Business Program

Amount: Up to $1,000 per employee or $2,000 per new hire for tuition costs

Eligibility: Small businesses in Texas with fewer than 100 employees

Deadline: Rolling, applications must be submitted at least two weeks before courses begin

The Skills for Small Business Program is a government grant from the Texas Workforce Commission that pays for job-relevant courses for your employees at participating Texas community and technical colleges. Funds go directly to schools, and courses can cover topics ranging from digital literacy and office management to conflict resolution. To encourage job creation, the program doubles the reimbursement cap for new employees.

4. Small Business Boost Program

Amount: $5,000 plus networking and promotion opportunities

Eligibility: Small businesses in Greater Houston with fewer than 500 employees and less than $20 million in revenue

Deadline: Rolling, four grants per year

The Small Business Boost is a nomination-based small business grant program offered by the Houston Texans and Amegy Bank. Anyone can nominate a business online, and the simple application requires just one extended-response question. Winners receive a $5,000 grant along with promotional exposure, including a radio spot and other opportunities to showcase their business.

5. Texas Rural Woman Grant

Amount: $10,000 plus training and support

Eligibility: Women-owned small businesses in rural communities of Texas (population under 50,000), founded at least three years ago

Deadline: Every spring

CWE’s Texas Rural Woman Grant helps women business owners in rural areas spark growth and commerce in their communities. Each year, 10 businesses receive $10,000 to fund projects that can be completed within six months and immediately generate revenue. You can use the money for expenses like new equipment, marketing, or other investments that strengthen your business.

6. AccelerateHER Program

Amount: Free three-month program with training, mentorship, business advisers, networking, and professional resources

Eligibility: Early-stage women business founders in select Texas cities (your commitment to attendance is required)

Deadline: Varies by city

AccelerateHER is a three-month accelerator program run by CWE for women founders who want to scale their business. Participants receive weekly instruction, mentorship, and technical assistance, along with access to advisers and private workspaces. Cohorts are held in Denton, Dallas, Houston, Abilene, Mission, Austin, and Corpus Christi, with occasional virtual cohorts available for those outside these areas.

7. IgniteHTX and Lanzante Pitch Competitions

Amount: Up to $5,000 plus coaching and exposure

Eligibility: Small businesses in Greater Houston that are less than four years old

Deadline: Every spring (Ignite) and fall (Lanzante)

Hosted by nonprofit BakerRipley, IgniteHTX! (English) and Lanzante Houston! (Spanish) are pitch competitions for early-stage founders in Greater Houston. Each event selects 10 competitors who receive free pitch coaching, workshops, and new visibility. Winners take home up to $5,000 in prize funding.

8. Annual FWHCC Business Pitch Competition

Amount: $1,000 to $3,000 plus coaching and exposure

Eligibility: Small businesses or startups in the Fort Worth area (Tarrant County) that have been operational for less than two years

Deadline: Varies

The Business Pitch Competition from the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC) gives local entrepreneurs a chance to present their businesses to a panel of judges and win grant money for growth and improvement. Whether you need capital for product development, marketing, or scaling operations, this contest provides cash prizes, 1:1 business coaching, networking opportunities, and visibility in the community.

9. H-E-B Quest for Texas Best Pitch Competition

Amount: $15,000 to $50,000 plus product sold in H-E-B grocery stores

Eligibility: Texas-made product suppliers (food, beverage, general merchandise); products must meet specific guidelines

Deadline: Every spring

The H-E-B Quest for Texas Best is a product pitch competition that helps Texas creators get their products on H-E-B grocery store shelves while competing for cash prizes. You’ll need to submit product details and a short video, and finalists make live pitches before judges. This grant is particularly well-suited for businesses that have a product ready for retail and want visibility, feedback, and capital to scale.

10. Texas A&M New Ventures Competition

Amount: Varies (2025 prize pool was up to $1.9 million)

Eligibility: Texas-based independent science and technology ventures from pre-seed to early growth stages with less than $250,000 in revenue

Deadline: Every winter

The Texas A&M New Ventures Competition is a multistage contest that connects emerging STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) businesses with investors. The competition includes coaching, investor exposure, and a final pitch round judged by high-profile experts. In recent years, prize pools have ranged from about $500,000 to nearly $2 million, making it one of the largest opportunities in the state for high-growth science and technology startups.

*Shopify Capital loans must be paid in full within a maximum of 18 months, and two minimum payments apply within the first two six-month periods. The actual duration may be less than 18 months based on sales.

Small business grants Texas FAQ

Are there any small business grants in Texas?

What are the eligibility requirements for small business grants?

Eligibility for business grants varies widely depending on the funder, with some programs open to all small businesses and others focusing on specific industries, regions, or groups. Regardless of eligibility, most small business grants require a grant application to apply, which includes questions about your business and proof that it is in good standing. In addition, many grant programs require supporting documents like budgets, business plans, bank documents, and promotional media.

Are there SBA grants for small businesses in Texas?

The Small Business Administration does not offer grants directly. However, it offers many federal government loan and funding opportunities with reasonable eligibility requirements. The SBA also organizes federal grants and loans for technology and scientific research projects through America’s Seed Fund, which is offered through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.