BUSINESS FINANCING · TX

Small Business Financing Guide for Hunt County, Texas

Hunt County, Texas is a growing region anchored by Greenville and Commerce, with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, agriculture, retail, and a strong small-business community. This guide helps solo contractors and small-business owners in Hunt County understand their financing options, who to talk to locally, what documents to gather, and how to avoid common traps. Origen Capital is a directory — not a lender — and this guide is here to help you make informed decisions at your own pace.

§ 01 — What it is

What Is Small Business Financing?

Small business financing is any structured way of getting money to start, run, or grow a business — and then repaying it or sharing ownership in exchange. The most common types in Hunt County include: **Term Loans:** You borrow a set amount and repay it over a fixed period with interest. Good for equipment, renovations, or working capital. **Lines of Credit:** A flexible borrowing limit you draw from and repay as needed. Useful for managing seasonal cash flow or covering payroll gaps. **SBA-Backed Loans:** Loans made by local lenders but partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Because the government shares the risk, lenders can offer better terms to borrowers who might not qualify for a conventional loan. **Microloans:** Smaller loans — often under $50,000 — offered by nonprofits and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). These are especially helpful for newer businesses or owners building credit. **ITIN-Based Lending:** Some lenders accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of a Social Security Number. This opens the door for immigrant entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who file taxes but don't have an SSN. You don't have to choose just one. Many Hunt County business owners use a combination — for example, a microloan to get started, then a larger term loan once they have a track record.

§ 02 — Who qualifies

Who Qualifies? Hunt County's Economy and Your Business

Hunt County's economy is built on a mix of industries: manufacturing and distribution along the I-30 corridor near Greenville, agriculture (especially cattle and row crops), retail serving the Texas A&M Commerce student population, healthcare, and a growing base of solo contractors in construction and home services. You may qualify for local business financing if: - You have been operating your business for at least 6–12 months (some programs accept startups) - You file taxes using an SSN or an ITIN - You can show consistent income or a credible business plan - Your business is based or primarily operating in Hunt County or the surrounding East Texas region **For agricultural producers and farm-related businesses**, programs through the Texas Department of Agriculture and the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Greenville may apply in addition to standard business loans. **For solo contractors** (plumbers, electricians, carpenters, roofers), lenders will often look at Schedule C tax returns, 1099 income, and bank statements rather than W-2s. You don't need to be incorporated to apply — many sole proprietors qualify. **Credit scores** matter, but they aren't the only factor. CDFIs and credit unions in this region often use character-based underwriting, which means they look at your full story — not just a number. If your credit is thin or imperfect, don't self-reject. Talk to a lender or a small business counselor first.

§ 03 — What you need

Documents You'll Typically Need

Every lender is different, but gathering these documents in advance will speed up your application at almost any institution: **Personal & Identity Documents** - Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID) - Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) - Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) **Financial Documents** - Personal federal tax returns — last 2 years (Form 1040, including Schedule C if self-employed) - Business tax returns — last 2 years (if your business files separately) - Recent bank statements — last 3–6 months (personal and/or business) - Profit and loss statement (a simple income vs. expenses summary is fine for smaller loans) **Business Documents** - Business license or DBA (Doing Business As) registration from Hunt County or the City of Greenville - Articles of incorporation or organization (if you have an LLC or corporation) - EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free to get at irs.gov - Any existing business contracts, leases, or purchase orders **For SBA Loans, Additionally** - Business plan with financial projections - List of business assets and liabilities - Personal financial statement (SBA Form 413) If you're missing any of these, a local SBDC advisor can help you prepare before you apply. You don't need everything perfect before asking for help.

§ 04 — Where to start in Hunt County

Local Lenders, CDFIs, and Resources That Serve Hunt County

These are institutions and programs with a real presence in, or track record serving, Hunt County and the surrounding East Texas region. Origen Capital is a directory — verify current programs and contact information directly. --- **LiftFund (CDFI — Microlending)** LiftFund is one of the most active CDFIs in Texas, offering microloans from $500 to $1 million to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state, including East Texas. They work with borrowers who have limited credit history and accept ITIN filers. They also provide coaching alongside their loans. 🌐 liftfund.com | San Antonio-based with statewide reach --- **PeopleFund (CDFI — Small Business Loans)** PeopleFund is a Texas CDFI that offers loans, business coaching, and technical assistance to underserved entrepreneurs, including immigrant-owned businesses and rural businesses. They serve Hunt County and the broader northeast Texas region. 🌐 peoplefund.org --- **Texas Capital Bank / Inwood National Bank / First National Bank of Texas** Several community and regional banks with branches in Greenville offer SBA 7(a) loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing. First National Bank of Texas, in particular, has a strong community presence in Greenville and may be a first call for established businesses. --- **Hunt County / Greenville Economic Development Corporation** The Greenville EDC supports business retention and expansion in Hunt County. They can connect you with local incentives, site selection help, and referrals to financing partners. 📍 greenvilletx.gov/edc --- **SBA Dallas/Fort Worth District Office** Hunt County is served by the SBA's Dallas/Fort Worth District. The DFW SBA office oversees SBA 7(a) loans, 504 loans (for equipment and real estate), and the Microloan Program. They don't lend directly — they work through approved lenders — but their website lists all approved lenders active in Texas. 📍 sba.gov/offices/district/tx/dallas --- **East Texas SBDC — Texas A&M Commerce** Texas A&M Commerce hosts an SBDC (Small Business Development Center) that provides free one-on-one business advising, loan packaging assistance, and business plan help. This is the most accessible first step for any Hunt County entrepreneur, regardless of experience or documentation level. 📍 tamuc.edu/sbdc | Located in Commerce, TX --- **Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU) / Texoma Community Credit Union** Local credit unions often offer more flexible terms than large national banks and may have small business products. Texoma Community Credit Union and EECU both serve the northeast Texas area and are worth contacting about business accounts and small loans. --- **USDA Rural Development — Texas** For businesses in the rural parts of Hunt County, USDA Rural Development offers the Business & Industry (B&I) loan guarantee program. A local lender makes the loan; USDA guarantees a portion. Designed for rural job creation and retention. 🌐 rd.usda.gov/tx

§ 05 — What to avoid

Texas State-Specific Regulatory Notes

Understanding the state and local rules can save you time and help you avoid surprises. **Texas Usury Law** Texas has a usury statute (Texas Finance Code, Chapter 302) that caps interest rates on many loans. However, state-chartered and federally-chartered banks often operate under federal preemption, and many alternative lenders use creative fee structures to work around these caps. Know the total cost of your loan — not just the interest rate. **Texas Homestead Protections** Texas has one of the strongest homestead exemption laws in the country. Your primary home generally cannot be seized to satisfy a business debt — with important exceptions for purchase-money mortgages. Understand what collateral you are pledging before you sign. **Business Registration in Hunt County** If you operate under a name other than your own legal name, you are required to file a DBA (Assumed Name Certificate) with the Hunt County Clerk's office in Greenville. The fee is modest, and this registration is often required by lenders to open a business bank account. 📍 Hunt County Clerk: 4th & Lee Streets, Greenville, TX 75401 **Texas Sales Tax Permit** If your business sells taxable goods or services, you must register for a Sales and Use Tax Permit with the Texas Comptroller. This is free and done online at comptroller.texas.gov. Lenders may ask for evidence that you are compliant with tax obligations. **No State Income Tax** Texas has no personal state income tax, which simplifies your tax picture — but you still owe federal self-employment tax on Schedule SE. An SBDC advisor or local accountant can help you stay current. **Texas Veterans Commission — Fund for Veterans' Assistance** Veteran-owned businesses in Hunt County may be eligible for the Texas Veterans Commission's small business programs, including grants and technical assistance. Hunt County has a significant veteran population, and this resource is underutilized.

§ 06 — Ask a question

IRIS AI

Still don't see your situation?

Ask Iris. She'll explain it the way it should have been explained the first time.

ACROSS THE NETWORK

ReadyDocs

Starting a business in Hunt County? ReadyDocs has the compliance guide.

The Board

Need a licensed contractor in Hunt County?

§ 07 — Part of The Legacy Bridge Network

Four products. One purpose.