What are small business grants?
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.
- Government grants focus on economic development, innovation, or community support.
- Corporate grants target specific industries or social initiatives.
- Nonprofits often provide grants to foster entrepreneurship in underserved communities.
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 state-specific small business grants for 2026
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 2026, you could secure the funding you need to start or grow your businesses.
1. Texas Woman’s University StartHER Grant
The StartHER Grant Program, administered by the Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) at Texas Woman’s University, provides $5,000 grants to early-stage, woman-owned businesses in Texas. Each award is issued in two installments: $2,500 upon signing the grant agreement, and $2,500 after completing a small business training course, receiving three hours of business advising, and submitting a completed business plan with three years of financials. A minimum $500 non-debt owner match is required.
Application and eligibility process:
Your business must be Texas-based, at least 51% woman-owned, a for-profit legal entity, five years old or less (formed after September 25, 2020), and have five or fewer employees including the owner. Nonprofits are not eligible. Previous StartHER Grant winners may not reapply. The deadline to apply is September 26, 2026.
2. Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) skills for small business grant program
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.
Application and eligibility process:
You must have less than 100 employees; visit the Texas Workforce Commission’s website to learn how to apply.
3. Texas Job Creators Grant (CLOSED)
The Texas Job Creators grant was available to Texas small business owners who fall into one of the following categories:
- Latinx
- Black
- Asian
- LGBTQ
- Military veterans
- Women
- Or owners in a low-to-moderate income area.
It offered $50,000 in funding and shares it with 10 successful business applicants.
The most recent confirmed round of the Texas Job Creators Grant opened in August 2024 with winners announced in September 2024. No 2025 or 2026 round has been announced as of July 2026. If the program reopens, it typically runs an application window in August each year, check back then for updates.
Texas Rural Woman Grant
Also administered by the Center for Women Entrepreneurs at Texas Woman’s University, the Texas Rural Woman Grant encourages and enables rural woman-owned small businesses in Texas to undertake new and innovative projects. The program awards ten grants of $10,000 each annually to eligible rural women entrepreneurs across the state.
Application and eligibility process:
Your business must be woman-owned, Texas-based, located in an eligible rural county, and have been in operation before May 20, 2022. Unlike the StartHER Grant, this program is for established businesses rather than startups. The 2026 cycle closed June 5, 2026. The next cycle is expected to open in May 2027.
Industry-specific and niche small business grants 2026
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.
1. Texas Emerging Technology Fund (ETF) (CLOSED)
The EFT supported Texas-based technology startups and small businesses that research, develop, and commercialize innovative products and services.
The Texas Emerging Technology Fund (ETF) formally closed when Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 632 ending the program. It is no longer accepting applications. The remaining funds were redirected to the Governor’s University Research Initiative (GURI) and the Texas Enterprise Fund.
2. Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) grants
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.
Application an eligibility process:
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.
3. Texas Department of Agriculture’s specialty crop grant program
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.
Application an eligibility process:
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.
Federal grants available to Texas businesses
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.
1. Grants.gov
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.
Application and eligibility process:
There are two essential eligibility requirements:
- You must register to apply through the Grants.gov website.
- Ensure your legal eligibility for a specific grant before applying.
For further information about grant applications and eligibility, visit the Grants.gov website.
2. Small business innovation research (SBIR)
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.
Application and eligibility process:
Visit the SBIR Program website to learn how it works and how to apply.
Note: The SBIR program lapsed on September 30, 2025, after Congress missed the reauthorization deadline. Both programs were reauthorized in March 2026 and are now active through September 30, 2031.
3. Small business administration (SBA) grants
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:
- Research and development grants.
- Community organization grants.
- State entity exporting grants.
Application and eligibility process:
Visit the SBA website for grant opportunities relative to your business and application instructions.
Corporate and private foundation small business grants for 2026
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.
1. FedEx small business grant contest (CLOSED)
FedEx offered 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.
The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest ran from 2012 through 2024 and is no longer accepting applications.
2. FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab
FedEx, in partnership with Accion Opportunity Fund and e-commerce experts at 37 Oaks, runs a four-month hands-on program designed to help small business owners strengthen their e-commerce strategy and grow their online sales. The program includes practical courses, interactive workshops, expert guidance, and order fulfillment support through the holiday season. Participants who graduate receive a $5,000 grant to reinvest back into their business. The Fall 2026 cohort application period has closed.
3. American Express backing small businesses
The Backing Small Businesses is a collaboration grant program between Main Street America and American Express that awards $10,000 annually to 500 small U.S. businesses.
Application and eligibility process:
Your business must be in a historic U.S. main street, commercial, or downtown district. The 2025 application round is now closed. A 2026 round has not yet been announced.
Texas small business grant application process: best practices and tips
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).
Conclusion
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!