BUSINESS FINANCING · TX

Business Financing Guide for Johnson County, Texas

This guide helps solo contractors and small business owners in Johnson County, Texas understand their real financing options — from local credit unions and CDFIs to SBA-backed lenders and ITIN-friendly programs. Johnson County sits in the fast-growing Fort Worth–Arlington metro area, and local lenders who know the regional economy are your best first stop. Federal programs like SBA loans are powerful tools, but a local intermediary will help you actually reach them. Take your time, compare your options, and never let urgency pressure you into a bad deal.

§ 01 — What it is

What Business Financing Means for Johnson County Entrepreneurs

Business financing is how you get the capital you need to start, grow, or stabilize a small business — without giving up ownership or selling off assets you need to operate. In Johnson County, that can mean a term loan to buy equipment, a line of credit to cover slow seasons, a microloan to purchase supplies for your first contract, or a real-estate-backed loan to buy the building where you do your work. Financing is not a single product. It ranges from microloans under $5,000 to SBA-backed loans over $500,000. What matters is matching the right tool to your actual situation. The lenders and intermediaries described in this guide understand the Johnson County economy — construction, agriculture, trucking, retail, and the growing mix of service businesses that comes with suburban expansion along the U.S. 67 and I-35W corridors. You do not have to walk into a big national bank to find a fair deal. Local options exist and are often more flexible.

§ 02 — Who qualifies

Who Qualifies — and How Johnson County's Economy Shapes That

Most small business lenders look at a few core things: time in business, monthly revenue, personal credit history, and whether the business has any assets or collateral. But the thresholds vary widely depending on who you borrow from. Johnson County's economy includes a strong base of construction subcontractors, landscapers, independent truckers, agricultural operations around Cleburne and Burleson, and a growing retail and food-service sector. Many of these businesses are owner-operated and may not have years of tax returns or a polished credit file — and that is okay. Here is a rough breakdown of who typically qualifies for what: - **Microloans ($500–$50,000):** Newer businesses, solo operators, or owners without a strong credit score. Some programs accept ITIN instead of SSN. CDFIs and nonprofit lenders are your best bet here. - **SBA 7(a) Loans ($50,000–$5M):** Businesses with at least 1–2 years of operations, a clear repayment ability, and some personal credit history. Requires a U.S. business entity. - **Community bank and credit union loans:** Usually want 2+ years in business, decent revenue, and a relationship with the institution. - **ITIN-based loans:** Available through select CDFIs and community lenders. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number can substitute for a Social Security Number in many programs. If you have been turned down by a traditional bank, that does not mean financing is off the table. It often means you need a different type of lender.

§ 03 — What you need

Documents You Will Typically Need

Gathering your paperwork before you apply saves time and builds trust with lenders. The exact list depends on the loan type and the lender, but here is what most local lenders and CDFIs in the Johnson County area will ask for: **For all applicants:** - Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID) - ITIN or SSN - Last 2–3 months of personal and business bank statements - Most recent 1–2 years of personal tax returns (and business returns if filed separately) - A brief description of your business and how you plan to use the loan funds **For established businesses:** - Profit and loss statement (a simple one is fine — your accountant or bookkeeper can help) - Business license or DBA registration from Johnson County or the State of Texas - Accounts receivable or contract documentation if you have ongoing work **For startups or newer businesses:** - A one-page business plan or written explanation of your idea - Any contracts, letters of intent, or proof of customers - Personal financial statement Do not let a missing document stop you from starting a conversation with a lender. Most local intermediaries will tell you exactly what they need and give you time to gather it.

§ 04 — Where to start in Johnson County

Local Lenders, CDFIs, and SBA Resources That Serve Johnson County

Johnson County is served by a meaningful network of local and regional financial institutions. Below are the key players to know. **LiftFund (San Antonio / DFW region)** LiftFund is one of the largest CDFIs in the country and actively serves North and Central Texas, including Johnson County. They offer microloans and small business loans, accept ITIN, work with startups, and have bilingual staff. Their loans range from $500 to $1 million. Website: liftfund.com **PeopleFund (Austin / DFW footprint)** Another Texas-based CDFI with a strong presence in suburban and rural Texas communities. PeopleFund focuses on underserved entrepreneurs, accepts ITIN for many products, and offers both capital and free business coaching. Website: peoplefund.org **BCL of Texas (Business & Community Lenders)** BCL of Texas is a nonprofit CDFI based in Austin with statewide reach, including the Johnson County area. They focus on small business loans and also offer SBA microloan products. Website: bcltexas.org **Fort Worth SBA District Office** Johnson County falls under the Fort Worth District of the U.S. Small Business Administration. This office maintains a list of SBA-approved lenders who serve Johnson County — including 7(a), 504, and microloan programs. The district office itself does not lend money but can match you with the right approved lender. Address: 4300 Amon Carter Blvd., Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Phone: (817) 684-5500. **Tarrant County Credit Union and Neighborhood Credit Unions** Several credit unions serving the greater Fort Worth–Cleburne corridor offer small business checking and lending products. Tarrant County Credit Union, Southwest Airlines Federal Credit Union (open to many in the region), and Veritex Community Bank (which has presence in suburban Tarrant/Johnson County) are worth contacting. **Cleburne-area Community Banks** First National Bank of Cleburne and other community banks headquartered in or near Cleburne have loan officers who understand local agriculture, construction, and service businesses. A local relationship banker is often more flexible than an algorithm at a national bank. **Texas WBEA (Women's Business Enterprise Alliance)** Based in Houston with reach into North Texas, WBEA connects women-owned businesses to financing resources, certifications, and networks. **Texas Military Department / TVTF (Texas Veterans Land Board)** Veteran-owned small businesses in Johnson County may access the Texas Veterans Commission's fund for veterans' assistance programs and, through the Texas Economic Development Bank, access linked deposit and bond programs. **Accion Opportunity Fund** A national CDFI with bilingual services that actively lends to small businesses in Texas, including ITIN holders. Their online application is accessible and their loan officers speak Spanish. Website: aof.org

§ 05 — What to avoid

Texas-Specific Regulatory Notes

Texas has its own rules that affect how business lending works here. Knowing them protects you. **No state income tax, but franchise tax applies.** Texas does not have a personal income tax, but most businesses with revenues above $1.23 million (2024 threshold) owe the Texas Franchise Tax. Lenders may ask for your franchise tax compliance status. If you are below the threshold, you still file a no-tax-due return. **DBA (Doing Business As) registration.** If you operate under a name different from your legal name, you must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Johnson County Clerk's office in Cleburne. Cost is minimal. Many lenders require this before issuing a business account or loan. **Texas Homestead Exemption.** Texas has strong homestead protections — your primary residence generally cannot be forced to satisfy most business debts. However, if you voluntarily pledge your home as collateral on a loan, that protection is waived for that loan. Understand what you are signing. **Usury limits.** Texas has usury laws that cap interest rates in certain loan categories, but many commercial loans are exempt from these caps. Always ask for the APR (Annual Percentage Rate) in writing before you sign. **Texas Secretary of State – Business Filings.** LLCs and corporations in Texas register with the Secretary of State. Make sure your entity is in good standing (you can check at sos.state.tx.us) before applying for financing — lenders will check. **ITIN and Texas business ownership.** Texas law does not require a Social Security Number to register a business entity. ITIN holders can form an LLC in Texas and open business bank accounts at select institutions.

§ 06 — Ask a question

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