BUSINESS FINANCING · TX

Small Business Financing Guide for Bastrop County, Texas

This guide helps solo contractors, small business owners, and real-estate investors in Bastrop County, Texas find trustworthy financing options close to home. It covers who qualifies, what documents you'll need, which local lenders and CDFIs actually serve this area, Texas-specific rules to know, and red flags to watch out for. Origen Capital is a directory — we connect you with resources, we do not lend money or collect your personal information. Take your time, compare your options, and work with lenders who treat you with respect.

§ 01 — What it is

What Is Small Business Financing?

Small business financing is money you borrow or receive — through loans, lines of credit, microloans, or grants — to start, run, or grow a business. In Bastrop County, this can mean a short-term loan to buy equipment for a landscaping company, a microloan to open a food trailer, a line of credit to cover payroll between construction jobs, or a longer-term loan to purchase commercial property in Elgin, Smithville, or Bastrop city. Financing is not one-size-fits-all. The right product depends on how long you've been in business, your revenue, your credit history (or lack of traditional credit), and what you plan to do with the money. Some programs are designed specifically for newer businesses or for owners who don't have a Social Security Number — only an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). The most important thing to understand: a loan is a promise to repay. Before you sign anything, make sure the monthly payments fit comfortably within your business cash flow — not just your best month, but your slowest month too.

§ 02 — Who qualifies

Who Qualifies? Bastrop County Context

Bastrop County's economy is a mix of agriculture, construction trades, small retail and food businesses, and a growing base of commuters and remote workers who have relocated from the Austin metro. The county seat of Bastrop and the cities of Elgin and Smithville each have distinct small business ecosystems. Most local and CDFI lenders look at some combination of the following: • Time in business (often 6 months to 2 years minimum, though microloans may accept startups) • Annual revenue or projected revenue with a solid business plan • Personal credit score — but many CDFI and ITIN-friendly lenders use alternative underwriting if your score is low or you have no traditional credit • Collateral — equipment, a vehicle, or real property you own • A clear explanation of how you'll use the funds and repay the loan If you are an immigrant entrepreneur or a solo contractor without a Social Security Number, you are not automatically disqualified. Several lenders and CDFIs in the greater Austin–Central Texas corridor specifically work with ITIN borrowers. Texas does not require U.S. citizenship for a state business license or a sole proprietorship registration, and Bastrop County follows state law. Seasonal businesses — tree service crews, agricultural workers, event vendors at the Bastrop farmers' market — may qualify for products with flexible repayment schedules that account for slow seasons.

§ 03 — What you need

Documents You Will Typically Need

Gathering your paperwork before you apply saves time and builds confidence with lenders. Requirements vary by lender and loan type, but in Bastrop County you should expect to prepare most of the following: • Government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or consular ID (matrícula consular). ITIN-friendly lenders accept ITIN in place of an SSN. • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security Number • Last 1–2 years of personal tax returns (and business tax returns if you've filed them) • Last 3–6 months of business or personal bank statements • Proof of business registration — a DBA ('doing business as') filing with Bastrop County Clerk, or an LLC certificate from the Texas Secretary of State • A basic business plan or one-page summary explaining what your business does, how much you need, and how you'll repay it • Profit-and-loss statement or simple income/expense record (even a spreadsheet helps) • Any existing business debt obligations (equipment notes, credit cards used for the business) • For real-estate or equipment loans: an estimate or appraisal of the asset If you are a startup without tax returns yet, a well-prepared business plan and proof of relevant experience (licenses, past contracts) can sometimes substitute. Ask the lender what they need rather than assuming you don't qualify.

§ 04 — Where to start in Bastrop County

Local Lenders, CDFIs, and Resources That Serve Bastrop County

Bastrop County sits within the greater Austin–Central Texas lending ecosystem. The following organizations are known to serve small businesses in this region — always confirm current programs and eligibility directly with each one. **LiftFund (San Antonio & Austin offices)** LiftFund is one of the largest CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) in Texas and actively lends in Bastrop County. They offer microloans from $500 to $250,000, work with ITIN borrowers, and provide bilingual (English/Spanish) support. Their underwriting looks at your whole story — not just your credit score. liftfund.com **PeopleFund (Austin)** PeopleFund is an Austin-based CDFI that serves the Central Texas region including Bastrop County. They offer small business loans, microloans, and business coaching. They serve both startups and existing businesses and have experience with lower-credit and ITIN borrowers. peoplefund.org **Amplify Credit Union (Austin metro)** Amplify Credit Union serves the greater Austin area, including residents and businesses in Bastrop County. Credit unions often offer better rates and more flexible terms than traditional banks. Membership is open to anyone who lives or works in their service area. goamplify.com **A+FCU (Austin-area Federal Credit Union)** Another credit union with a strong presence in Central Texas. Credit unions are member-owned and tend to be more willing to work with small businesses and non-traditional borrowers than large commercial banks. **Bastrop National Bank** A community bank headquartered in Bastrop that has served the county for decades. Community banks often have more flexibility than regional chains and their loan officers understand the local economy — agriculture, construction, and small retail. **First National Bank of Bastrop** Another locally rooted institution. For established businesses with good books and a track record, local community banks can offer competitive rates with fewer hoops than large national lenders. **SBA South-Central Texas District Office (San Antonio)** The U.S. Small Business Administration's district office that covers Bastrop County is the South-Central Texas District in San Antonio. They do not lend directly, but they guarantee loans made by participating lenders — which reduces the lender's risk and can open doors for borrowers who wouldn't otherwise qualify. Ask any lender whether they are an SBA-approved lender. Common SBA products include the 7(a) loan (general purpose), the 504 loan (real estate and equipment), and the Microloan program (up to $50,000 through CDFIs like LiftFund and PeopleFund). sba.gov/offices/district/tx/san-antonio **Texas Capital Bank & Frost Bank** Larger Texas-based banks with branches or business banking available in the Austin–Bastrop corridor. Better suited for established businesses with strong financials rather than startups or ITIN borrowers. **SCORE Austin Chapter** SCORE is a free mentorship network — not a lender — but their Austin chapter covers Central Texas and can connect you with a mentor who knows the local lending landscape. Many SCORE mentors have relationships with local lenders and can help you prepare a stronger application. score.org/austin **Texas Workforce Commission & SBDC (Small Business Development Center)** The SBDC at Austin Community College serves Bastrop County residents and offers free one-on-one advising, help writing business plans, and loan application preparation. This is one of the most underused free resources available to Bastrop County business owners. sbdcaustin.com

§ 05 — What to avoid

Texas-Specific Regulatory Notes

Texas has its own rules that affect small business borrowers. Here is what matters most for Bastrop County owners: **Registering Your Business** You can operate as a sole proprietor under your own name without registration. If you use a trade name (e.g., 'Reyes Landscaping'), you must file a DBA ('Assumed Name Certificate') with the Bastrop County Clerk's office. LLCs and corporations must register with the Texas Secretary of State. Registration fees are modest and the process can be done online. **Texas Usury Law** Texas has a constitutional usury cap — a maximum interest rate lenders can legally charge. For most commercial loans, this cap is 18% per year (or 6% if no rate is agreed in writing, but written agreements almost always specify a rate). However, certain licensed lenders and alternative finance products (like merchant cash advances) may operate under different rules or exemptions. If a lender quotes you an annual rate above 18%, ask for a written explanation of how they are licensed. **Texas Finance Code — Credit Access Businesses (CABs)** Payday lenders and auto-title lenders in Texas operate as Credit Access Businesses. They are legal but largely unregulated for rate caps — effective APRs can exceed 300–400%. The Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) licenses and oversees these lenders. If you are looking at a storefront lender in Bastrop or Elgin, check whether they are a CAB at occc.texas.gov before signing anything. **Homestead Exemption and Collateral** Texas has one of the strongest homestead protection laws in the country. Your primary residence generally cannot be used as collateral for a business loan (with narrow exceptions for home equity lines). This protects you but also means lenders may ask for other forms of collateral. **No State Income Tax** Texas has no personal or corporate state income tax, which simplifies your tax picture. However, most businesses pay the Texas Franchise Tax ('margin tax') once annual revenue exceeds a threshold (currently around $1.23 million). Sole proprietors and partnerships are generally exempt below this level. Confirm with a Texas CPA. **Minority- and Women-Owned Business Certifications** Texas offers HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) certification for minority- and women-owned businesses. This can open doors to state contracts and some lender preferences. The Texas Comptroller's office manages this program. comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub

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