BUSINESS FINANCING · TX

Business Financing Guide for Cameron County, Texas

Cameron County, Texas — home to Brownsville, Harlingen, and the Rio Grande Valley — has a growing network of local lenders, CDFIs, and community credit unions that serve small businesses, solo contractors, and entrepreneurs, including those who use an ITIN instead of an SSN. This guide explains the main types of business financing available, who qualifies, what documents to bring, and which local organizations can help. It also highlights state-specific Texas programs and warns against common predatory traps. Origen Capital is a directory and does not lend money or collect your information.

§ 01 — What it is

What Is Business Financing — and Why It Matters in the Rio Grande Valley

Business financing is money that helps you start, grow, or stabilize a business. It can come as a loan you repay over time, a line of credit you draw from as needed, a microloan for smaller amounts, or a grant you do not have to repay. In Cameron County, many business owners are sole proprietors, independent contractors, or small real-estate investors. The local economy runs heavily on trade, healthcare, agriculture, retail, and construction — industries where cash flow gaps are common. Understanding your financing options before you need the money puts you in a much stronger position. You are not locked into one type of financing; many business owners use a combination over time.

§ 02 — Who qualifies

Who Qualifies — Local Context for Cameron County Businesses

Qualification requirements vary by lender, but here is what the local landscape looks like: **Established businesses (2+ years):** Most traditional bank loans require at least two years in business, a demonstrated revenue history, and a credit score above 620. Banks like Falcon International Bank and International Bank of Commerce (IBC) — both with deep roots in the Valley — serve this tier. **Newer businesses (under 2 years):** Microloans and CDFI loans often have more flexible criteria. Some programs accept businesses as young as six months. **ITIN holders:** Several local lenders and CDFIs in the Valley explicitly work with business owners who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) rather than a Social Security Number. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for many small-business financing products in Cameron County. **Solo contractors and gig workers:** If you file a Schedule C or receive 1099s, you can present these as your business income. Lenders want to see consistent revenue, even if it comes from multiple clients. **Credit history:** A thin credit file is not automatically disqualifying. Some CDFIs and credit unions use alternative underwriting — looking at rent payment history, utility bills, and bank statements — especially for applicants who are new to formal credit.

§ 03 — What you need

Documents Typically Needed

Gathering your documents before you apply saves time and shows lenders you are prepared. Here is what most local lenders will ask for: - **Government-issued ID** — passport, consular ID (matrícula consular), or state ID - **ITIN or SSN** — whichever applies to you - **Business license or DBA registration** — filed with the Texas Secretary of State or Cameron County Clerk - **Last 6–24 months of personal and business bank statements** - **Last 1–2 years of tax returns** — personal (Form 1040 with Schedule C) and/or business (Form 1065, 1120-S, etc.) - **Profit & loss statement** — even a simple one you create yourself is better than nothing - **Proof of business address** — utility bill, lease agreement, or signed letter from a landlord - **Business plan or one-page summary** — required by most CDFIs and SBA-backed lenders, but local advisors can help you write it at no cost - **Existing debt schedule** — a list of any current loans or credit cards with balances If you are applying for an equipment loan or real-estate-backed loan, you will also need documentation for the asset (invoice, appraisal, or deed).

§ 04 — Where to start in Cameron County

Local Lenders, CDFIs, Credit Unions, and SBA Resources That Serve Cameron County

These are the organizations with a real, established presence serving Cameron County businesses. Origen Capital is a directory — always confirm current programs directly with each organization. **LiftFund (San Antonio / Rio Grande Valley)** LiftFund is one of the largest CDFIs in Texas and actively serves Cameron County. They offer microloans from $500 to $1 million, with flexible credit requirements. They work with ITIN holders and newer businesses. They also provide free business coaching alongside financing. Website: liftfund.com **PeopleFund (Texas-wide CDFI)** PeopleFund offers small-business loans and technical assistance throughout Texas, including the Valley. Loan sizes range from $1,000 to $350,000. They serve women-owned, minority-owned, and low-income businesses. ITIN-friendly. Website: peoplefund.org **Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. (AHSTI)** Primarily a housing CDFI, AHSTI also connects residents to financial capability services and has partnered with business-lending programs in the Valley. Good starting point for real-estate-related financing questions. Website: ahsti.org **IBC Bank (International Bank of Commerce) — Brownsville & Harlingen branches** IBC has decades of presence in the Rio Grande Valley and is one of the region's top SBA 7(a) lenders. They understand the bi-national business environment and have bilingual staff. Website: ibc.com **Falcon International Bank — Laredo & South Texas** Falcon serves South Texas businesses and offers SBA-backed products alongside traditional commercial loans. **Rio Grande Valley Credit Union (RGVCU) — Harlingen** A local credit union serving Cameron and Hidalgo counties. Credit unions typically offer lower rates than banks and more flexible underwriting for members. Ask about their small-business and personal-business loan products. Website: rgvcu.com **Generations Federal Credit Union — San Antonio / Valley outreach** Generations FCU is known for ITIN-friendly products and has served Texas's underbanked communities for decades. Website: myGenerations.org **SBA South Texas District Office — San Antonio (serves Cameron County)** The U.S. Small Business Administration's South Texas District covers Cameron County. They do not lend money directly, but they connect you to SBA 7(a) loans, SBA 504 loans (for real estate and equipment), and SBA microloans through approved local lenders. They also fund free advising through SCORE and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). Phone: (210) 403-5900 | Website: sba.gov/offices/district/tx/san-antonio **UTRGV Small Business Development Center (SBDC) — Brownsville & Edinburg** The UTRGV SBDC provides free, confidential business advising, including help with loan applications, business plans, and financial projections. This is one of the most valuable no-cost resources in Cameron County. Phone (Brownsville): (956) 665-7535 | Website: sbdc.utrgv.edu **SCORE Rio Grande Valley Chapter** SCORE volunteers are experienced business mentors who provide free advice on financing, business planning, and growth. Sessions are available in English and Spanish. Website: score.org/rgv

§ 05 — What to avoid

Texas-Specific Regulatory Notes and State Programs

**Texas does not have a state income tax**, which simplifies financial planning for many small-business owners. However, Texas does impose a **franchise tax** on most businesses with revenue above $2.47 million (as of 2024 thresholds). Smaller businesses typically fall under the no-tax-due threshold. **Texas Secretary of State — Business Filings:** To operate legally under a business name, you need to register your DBA ('doing business as') with the county clerk or form an LLC/corporation with the Texas Secretary of State. This is a lender requirement for most business loans. Website: sos.state.tx.us **Texas Capital Access Program (CAP):** Administered by the Texas Economic Development Bank, this program helps lenders make loans to small businesses that might not otherwise qualify. Ask your local bank if they participate. Website: gov.texas.gov/business **Texas Veterans Commission — Fund for Veterans' Assistance:** If you are a veteran-owned business in Cameron County, ask the Texas Veterans Commission about business financing resources available to you. Website: tvc.texas.gov **Enterprise Zones and Opportunity Zones:** Parts of Brownsville and other Cameron County areas are designated Opportunity Zones, which can attract investor capital into local businesses and real estate. Ask your SBDC advisor whether your business address qualifies. **Cameron County and City of Brownsville Economic Development:** The Brownsville Economic Development Council (BEDC) and Cameron County sometimes administer local grants and incentive programs tied to job creation. These are worth checking directly, as availability changes. Website: bedc.com

§ 06 — Ask a question

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