Grant to Support Small Rural Businesses and Growth in Texas (USA)
GrantID: 74474
Grant Funding Amount Low: $10,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $100,000
Summary
This program offers flexible financial support aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial development and economic vitality in rural communities. Funding is available through two main avenues: technical assistance grants and revolving fund loans. Technical assistance grants may reach up to $100,000 annually, intended to help intermediary organizations provide capacity building, business advisory services, and training to small, underserved entrepreneurs. In parallel, revolving fund loans—ranging from approximately $50,000 to $500,000—enable organizations to establish or renew microloan funds, with aggregate lending capacities potentially reaching around $2.5 million.
Eligible organizations include nonprofits, federally recognized tribal entities, and public educational institutions that demonstrate both the capacity and intent to deliver financial support and guidance to rural microentrepreneurs. The grant programs are open to entities located anywhere, so long as their services benefit rural communities with populations under 50,000. These organizations must also provide at least a 15 percent match in non-federal funding and maintain mechanisms like a loan loss reserve to mitigate risk.
Final beneficiaries—rural microentrepreneurs—typically operate businesses with fewer than ten employees and are unable to access conventional financing. Microloans to entrepreneurs generally fall under $50,000, carry fixed interest rates, and cover no more than 75 percent of project costs, requiring recipients to contribute the remaining portion. Loan uses can include working capital, equipment purchases, refinancing, or improvements to existing facilities.
Applications for both funding streams are accepted on a rolling basis, with awards made annually depending on appropriations and program priorities. The program favors initiatives that increase access to capital, support business resilience, and promote community development in areas that are economically disadvantaged or underserved. Through this flexible model, rural entrepreneurs gain financial tools and support services essential for starting, expanding, or sustaining their ventures—ultimately fostering sustainable economic growth across rural communities.
This grant may be available to individuals and organizations in Texas that are actively involved in Community Development & Services. To locate more funding opportunities in your field, visit The Grant Portal and search by interest area using the Search Grant tool.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
