BUSINESS FINANCING · TX

Small Business Financing Guide for Kerr County, Texas

This guide helps solo contractors, small business owners, and real estate investors in Kerr County, Texas find honest, local financing options. It covers who qualifies, what documents you'll need, which local lenders and CDFIs actually serve this area, and what red flags to watch for. Whether you have a Social Security number or an ITIN, there are real pathways available to you right here in the Hill Country. Origen Capital is a directory — we point you to resources, we do not lend money or collect your information.

§ 01 — What it is

What Is Small Business Financing?

Small business financing is any loan, line of credit, grant, or investment that helps you start, grow, or stabilize a business. In Kerr County, that might mean a loan to buy equipment for a landscaping company in Kerrville, working capital for a food trailer in Ingram, or a rehab loan to renovate a small rental property. Financing comes in many forms: • **Term loans** — A fixed amount you borrow and repay over time, usually with a set interest rate. • **Lines of credit** — Flexible access to a pool of funds you draw from as needed, good for managing cash flow between jobs. • **Microloans** — Smaller loans (typically under $50,000) designed for newer or smaller businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank financing. • **SBA-guaranteed loans** — Loans made by local banks and credit unions but partially backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, which allows lenders to take on more risk and offer better terms. • **Grants** — Money you do not have to repay, often tied to specific industries, demographics, or economic development goals. Not every product is right for every situation. The goal of this guide is to help you understand which options are realistic for your stage of business and your location in Kerr County.

§ 02 — Who qualifies

Who Qualifies? Kerr County's Local Economy

Kerr County is anchored by Kerrville and surrounded by small communities like Ingram, Center Point, Hunt, and Mountain Home. The local economy leans on tourism, healthcare (Peterson Health is a major employer), retail, construction trades, agriculture, and a growing base of retirees and remote workers. This mix creates real demand for small contractor services, hospitality businesses, and local retail. **You may qualify for financing if:** - You have operated your business for at least 6–12 months (some microlenders work with startups) - You have consistent income, even if it is seasonal or project-based - Your personal credit score is 580 or above (some CDFIs work with scores as low as 500) - You use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number — several lenders in this region specifically welcome ITIN borrowers - You are a sole proprietor, LLC, or small corporation registered in Texas **Common qualifying industries in Kerr County:** - Construction and home trades (roofing, plumbing, HVAC, landscaping) - Food service, catering, and food trucks - Childcare and elder care - Agricultural and ranch support services - Tourism, lodging, and short-term rentals on the Guadalupe River corridor - Small retail and professional services in downtown Kerrville If you are undocumented or have no formal business registration yet, CDFIs and nonprofit lenders are your most accessible starting point — not traditional banks.

§ 03 — What you need

Documents You Will Typically Need

Gathering your paperwork before you apply saves time and shows lenders you are serious. Requirements vary by lender, but most will ask for some combination of the following: **Identity and Legal Status** - Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID card) - ITIN letter (CP-565) or Social Security card - If applicable: DACA employment authorization document **Business Documents** - Texas business registration or DBA ("Doing Business As") certificate filed with the Texas Secretary of State or Kerr County Clerk - Business license, if required by the City of Kerrville or Kerr County - Employer Identification Number (EIN) — you can get one free at IRS.gov, even with an ITIN **Financial Documents** - Last 2 years of personal tax returns (or business tax returns if filed separately) - Last 3–6 months of bank statements (personal or business checking) - A simple profit-and-loss statement — even a one-page spreadsheet of income and expenses counts for many microlenders - Outstanding invoices or contracts showing future work (especially helpful for contractors) **For Loans Above $50,000** - Business plan or one-page narrative explaining how you will use and repay the funds - List of business assets (equipment, vehicles, inventory) - Existing debt schedule (what you already owe and to whom) Do not let missing documents stop you from making a first call. Many local CDFIs and nonprofit lenders will walk you through what you need before you formally apply.

§ 04 — Where to start in Kerr County

Local Lenders, CDFIs, and Resources That Serve Kerr County

This section focuses on the intermediary layer — the organizations closest to Kerr County that can actually help you. Federal programs like SBA 7(a) or USDA loans matter, but they are delivered through local lenders. Start here. --- **LiftFund (San Antonio regional office — serves Kerrville and all of Kerr County)** LiftFund is one of the largest CDFIs in Texas and actively lends in the Hill Country. They offer microloans from $500 to $1 million, accept ITIN borrowers, work with credit scores as low as 575, and have bilingual staff. They also offer free one-on-one business coaching. This is often the best first call for solo contractors or newer businesses. 📍 Serves Kerr County remotely and via San Antonio office 🌐 liftfund.com --- **PeopleFund (Austin-based CDFI — serves Kerr County)** PeopleFund provides small business loans ranging from $1,000 to $350,000, with a strong focus on underserved entrepreneurs including women, veterans, and ITIN holders. They offer SBA microloan products and flexible underwriting. Free technical assistance and financial coaching are included. 📍 Serves Kerr County remotely 🌐 peoplefund.org --- **Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce** The Chamber connects local business owners with financial resources, workshops, and economic development contacts. They can refer you to local lenders and alert you to state and county-level grant programs when they become available. 📍 1700 Sidney Baker St, Kerrville, TX 78028 🌐 kerrvilletx.com/chamber --- **Kerrville Federal Credit Union** A locally rooted credit union serving Kerr County residents and workers. Credit unions typically offer lower rates than commercial banks, more flexible underwriting, and a community-first orientation. Ask specifically about their small business loan products and whether they participate in SBA programs. 📍 Kerrville, TX 🌐 kerrvillefcu.org --- **Hill Country Community MHMR Center / Local Economic Development Partners** While primarily focused on behavioral health, MHMR and related Hill Country nonprofits sometimes collaborate on workforce and small business development initiatives. The Kerr County Economic Development office (through the City of Kerrville) is worth contacting for any local incentive programs, tax abatements, or small business development grants tied to job creation. 📍 City of Kerrville Economic Development Department 🌐 kerrvilletx.gov --- **SBA San Antonio District Office (covers Kerr County)** The SBA does not lend directly, but their San Antonio District Office can match you with SBA-approved local lenders and connect you to free technical assistance through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network. 📍 17319 San Pedro Ave, Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78232 📞 (210) 403-5900 🌐 sba.gov/offices/district/tx/san-antonio --- **UTSA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) — South-West Texas Region** The SBDC network provides free, confidential business advising and can help you prepare a loan application, build a business plan, and understand your financing options. They serve Kerr County as part of the South-West Texas region and offer remote consulting. 🌐 sbdcswtx.org --- **USDA Rural Development — Texas State Office** Because much of Kerr County is rural, USDA Rural Development programs — including the Business & Industry (B&I) loan guarantee and the Community Facilities program — may apply to you. These are accessed through local lenders but backed by USDA. 🌐 rd.usda.gov/tx

§ 05 — What to avoid

Texas-Specific Regulatory Notes

Texas has its own rules that affect how you borrow and operate, and Kerr County sits within that framework. Here is what you should know: **Texas Usury Law** Texas has a constitutional usury cap, but it contains exceptions that allow licensed lenders and certain financial products to charge higher rates. This means the legal rate is not always the fair rate. Always ask for the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) in writing before signing. **Texas Finance Code — Licensed Lenders** All consumer and commercial lenders operating in Texas must be licensed with the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC). You can verify a lender's license at finance.texas.gov. If a lender cannot show you a Texas license and is not a federally chartered bank or credit union, walk away. **Texas Homestead Exemption** If you own your home in Kerr County and a lender asks you to use it as collateral, be aware that Texas has strong homestead protections — but they are not absolute in commercial lending. Have any home-secured business loan reviewed by a Texas attorney before signing. **Texas Secretary of State — Business Registration** If you operate under a business name that is not your personal name, you need a DBA (Assumed Name Certificate) filed with the Kerr County Clerk. LLCs and corporations must also register with the Texas Secretary of State. Many lenders require this before they will make a loan. 📍 Kerr County Clerk: 700 Main St, Kerrville, TX 78028 🌐 sos.state.tx.us **Texas Veterans Commission — Fund for Veterans' Assistance** Veteran-owned businesses in Kerr County may be eligible for grants and low-interest financing through the Texas Veterans Commission. The Hill Country has a significant veteran population and this program is underused. 🌐 tvc.texas.gov **Texas Workforce Commission — Self-Employment Programs** If you are transitioning from employment to self-employment, TWC has programs that may allow you to retain unemployment benefits while launching a business. Ask your local workforce center about the Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP).

§ 06 — Ask a question

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