Business financing in Harrison County.

Business financing is money you borrow, receive as a grant, or access through a credit line to start, run, or grow a business — or to invest in real estate for business purposes. In Harrison County, that could mean a loan to buy equipment for a construction trade, a line of credit to smooth out cash flow between jobs, a microloan to launch a food business, or a commercial real-estate loan to purchase a rental property.

Financing comes in several forms:

• **Term loans** — You borrow a fixed amount and repay it over a set schedule with interest.

• **Lines of credit** — A flexible pool of funds you draw from and repay as needed.

• **Microloans** — Smaller loans (often under $50,000) designed for newer or smaller businesses.

• **SBA-guaranteed loans** — Loans made by a local lender but backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, which reduces the lender's risk and can help you qualify with less collateral.

• **Grants** — Money you do not repay, usually tied to a specific purpose or community need.

Understanding which type fits your situation is the first step. This guide will help you figure that out with the resources available right here in and around Harrison County.

Harrison County sits in the Piney Woods region of East Texas, anchored by Marshall, the county seat. The local economy is driven by oil and gas services, healthcare (with CHRISTUS Good Shepherd as a major employer), manufacturing, agriculture, retail, and a growing number of small service businesses.

Most lenders want to see:

• **Time in business** — Many traditional loans require 1–2 years in operation. Microloans and CDFI loans are often more flexible for startups.

• **Credit history** — A personal credit score of 620 or above helps with most conventional loans, though some CDFIs and ITIN-friendly lenders work with limited or no U.S. credit history.

• **Revenue or projected revenue** — Lenders want to see you can repay. For newer businesses, a clear business plan with realistic projections matters.

• **Legal standing** — Your business should be registered with the Texas Secretary of State if you are operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership. Sole proprietors may need a DBA ("doing business as") filed with Harrison County.

• **ITIN holders** — If you do not have a Social Security Number, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can qualify you with several lenders in this region. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to access business financing.

If you are a contractor in the oil field, a home-repair tradesperson, an agricultural supplier, or a small landlord in Marshall or Longview (just across the county line), there are lenders and programs built with your profile in mind.

Gathering your paperwork before you talk to a lender saves time and shows you are prepared. Requirements vary by lender, but here is what most will ask for:

**For all borrowers:**

• Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID card)

• ITIN or SSN

• Two years of personal tax returns (or what you have if your business is newer)

• Three to six months of personal and business bank statements

• Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement)

**For established businesses:**

• Two years of business tax returns

• Current profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet

• Business licenses or permits relevant to your trade

• Existing debt schedule (list of any current loans or leases)

**For startups or very new businesses:**

• A written business plan with financial projections

• Personal financial statement

• Any contracts, letters of intent, or pre-sales that show expected revenue

**For real-estate investors:**

• Property address and purchase price or appraisal

• Lease agreements if the property is already rented

• Scope of work and contractor bids if you are doing renovations

CDFIs and microlenders in this region often have lighter documentation requirements than banks — do not assume you do not qualify just because you cannot produce everything on this list.