BUSINESS FINANCING · TX

Business Financing Guide for Maverick County, Texas

Maverick County, Texas — anchored by Eagle Pass and sitting on the US-Mexico border — has a unique local economy shaped by international trade, ranching, retail, and a growing small-business community. This guide walks solo contractors, small business owners, and real-estate investors through the financing options that actually serve this region: local credit unions, community development lenders, ITIN-friendly institutions, and state-backed programs. Federal programs like SBA loans are useful context, but the real starting point is the local intermediary layer that understands the borderland economy. Read each section carefully, gather your documents, and connect with the right local partner before making any commitment.

§ 01 — What it is

1. What Business Financing Means in Maverick County

Business financing is simply the process of getting money to start, run, or grow a business — and then repaying it over time, usually with interest. In Maverick County, most small businesses are sole proprietorships or family-owned shops, many operating in trade, construction, services, or agriculture tied to the Eagle Pass–Piedras Negras border economy. The main financing tools available here are: • **Term loans** — a lump sum you repay in fixed monthly installments. Good for buying equipment, vehicles, or real estate. • **Lines of credit** — a revolving pool of money you draw from as needed, then repay. Good for managing cash flow between jobs or shipments. • **Microloans** — smaller loans (often under $50,000) from nonprofit or CDFI lenders. Ideal for startups or businesses that don't yet qualify for a bank loan. • **SBA-backed loans** — regular bank loans with a federal guarantee that lowers the lender's risk, making approval easier for small businesses. • **Equipment financing** — a loan or lease tied specifically to a piece of equipment, which often serves as its own collateral. • **Invoice financing** — advances on money already owed to you by customers. Useful for contractors waiting on payment. None of these options require you to have a perfect credit history or a long business track record. The right lender for Maverick County will work with what you have.

§ 02 — Who qualifies

2. Who Qualifies — The Maverick County Context

Qualification standards vary by lender, but here is what most local and regional lenders look at when you apply in Maverick County: **Business age and revenue:** Many lenders want to see at least 6–12 months of operation and some consistent revenue. Microloans and CDFI programs can work with newer businesses. **Credit score:** Traditional banks often want a personal credit score of 650 or above. CDFIs and microloan programs may accept scores as low as 550, or no score at all if you can show strong cash flow or collateral. **Tax ID number:** You do NOT need a Social Security Number to access many financing options. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is accepted by several lenders and CDFIs in South Texas. Lenders who advertise as 'ITIN-friendly' are your first call if you do not have an SSN. **Immigration status:** Many CDFI and microloan programs do not require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Confirm directly with each lender. **Industry fit:** Maverick County's economy leans on import/export, retail trade along US-277 and the international bridge corridor, agriculture, ranching, trucking, and construction. Lenders familiar with the border economy understand seasonal cash flow, cross-border suppliers, and the volatility of trade policy — look for institutions that can say that out loud. **Collateral:** Equipment, vehicles, inventory, or real property in the county can all serve as collateral. Some CDFIs offer unsecured microloans for amounts under $10,000–$15,000.

§ 03 — What you need

3. Documents You Will Typically Need

Gathering documents before you apply saves time and increases your approval odds. Every lender is a little different, but here is a practical checklist for Maverick County applicants: **Identity & Tax ID** - Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID / matrícula consular) - Social Security Number OR ITIN (Form W-7 confirmation if you applied recently) **Business Documents** - Business license or DBA ('Doing Business As') filing from Maverick County Clerk's office - Texas Sales and Use Tax permit (if applicable) - Articles of incorporation or LLC operating agreement (if you have a formal entity) - Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS — free to obtain at irs.gov **Financial Documents** - Last 2–3 years of personal and/or business tax returns - Last 3–6 months of bank statements (personal or business) - A current profit-and-loss statement (your bookkeeper or a simple spreadsheet works for smaller loans) - List of assets and debts (a basic balance sheet) **Business Plan (for startups or larger loans)** - A one- to two-page description of your business, your market, and how you will repay the loan - Projected revenue and expenses for the next 12 months **Collateral Documents (if applicable)** - Vehicle titles, equipment invoices, or property deed If you are missing something on this list, do not wait until it is perfect. Contact a local CDFI or the SBA's resource partner first — they can often help you prepare.

§ 04 — Where to start in Maverick County

4. Local Lenders, CDFIs, and Resources That Serve Maverick County

This is the most important section. The institutions below are known to serve South Texas and the border region. Origen Capital is a directory, not a lender — always verify current programs and contact information directly. --- **LiftFund (San Antonio, serving all of South Texas)** LiftFund is one of the largest CDFIs in Texas and has extensive experience working with border-region businesses and ITIN holders. They offer microloans from $500 to $1 million, with flexible credit requirements. They have Spanish-speaking staff and bilingual materials. Phone: (888) 215-2373 | liftfund.com **PeopleFund (Texas-wide CDFI)** PeopleFund offers small-business loans, SBA microloan program funds, and free technical assistance. They work with startups, sole proprietors, and business owners with limited credit history. They serve Maverick County through their South Texas outreach. peoplefund.org **BBVA / PlainsCapital Bank (Eagle Pass branch)** PlainsCapital Bank has a physical presence in Eagle Pass and has historically served agricultural and commercial borrowers in the region. Ask specifically about small business and agricultural loan products. Confirm ITIN-friendliness directly with the local branch. **International Bank of Commerce (IBC Bank) — Eagle Pass** IBC Bank is headquartered in Laredo and has deep roots across the South Texas border region. They have Eagle Pass branches and understand the cross-border trade economy. They offer business checking, lines of credit, and SBA-assisted products. ibcbank.com **First National Bank of South Texas** A community bank with presence in the Eagle Pass area. Community banks often have more flexibility than large national banks for local borrowers. Ask about agricultural and commercial real estate lending. **Border Federal Credit Union (Del Rio, serving the border region)** Credit unions are member-owned and typically offer lower interest rates than banks. Border Federal Credit Union serves the border corridor and may extend membership to Maverick County residents and business owners. borderfcu.com **SBA San Antonio District Office** The U.S. Small Business Administration's San Antonio District covers Maverick County. They do not lend money directly, but they connect you to SBA-approved lenders and free counseling. Their main resource partners in the region include: - **SBDC (Small Business Development Center) at Texas A&M International University (Laredo):** Free one-on-one business advising, loan preparation, and business plan help for Maverick County businesses. Closest center to Eagle Pass. Call (956) 326-2827. - **SCORE South Texas:** Free mentoring from retired business professionals. score.org/sanantonio **Texas Capital Access Program (Texas EDF / Office of the Governor)** The State of Texas runs a Capital Access Program that encourages banks to lend to borrowers they might otherwise turn down, by creating a small loan-loss reserve. Ask any participating Texas bank about this program. **USDA Business & Industry (B&I) Loan Program** For rural businesses in Maverick County, the USDA's B&I program guarantees loans made by local lenders. Maverick County qualifies as a rural area for many USDA programs. Contact the USDA Rural Development Texas office in San Antonio for a referral to a local participating lender.

§ 05 — What to avoid

5. Texas State-Specific Regulatory Notes

Doing business in Texas — and specifically in Maverick County — comes with some state-level rules worth knowing: **Texas usury law:** Texas law caps interest rates on most loans. If you are offered a rate that seems extremely high (above 18% APR for most commercial loans from licensed lenders), ask for it in writing and compare it against the Texas Finance Code. Predatory lenders sometimes operate outside the law. **Texas Secretary of State registration:** If you operate as an LLC, corporation, or partnership, you must register with the Texas Secretary of State. A sole proprietor using a trade name (DBA) files with the Maverick County Clerk instead. The filing fee is minimal. **Texas Sales Tax Permit:** If you sell taxable goods or services, register with the Texas Comptroller's office for a free sales tax permit before you apply for financing — lenders often ask for it. **Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) banks:** Federally regulated banks in Texas are required under the CRA to lend in low- and moderate-income areas. Maverick County qualifies. This means banks have a regulatory incentive to make loans in your community — you can use that as leverage when negotiating with a local bank branch manager. **Texas Veterans Commission Finance Program:** If you are a Texas veteran, the TVC offers low-interest business loans up to $125,000 for eligible businesses. tvc.texas.gov **Maverick County Appraisal District (MCAD):** If you own commercial real estate used as collateral for a loan, your property's appraised value at MCAD will affect how much you can borrow. You have the right to protest your appraisal annually if you believe it is too high. **Liens and UCC filings:** When a lender takes collateral on a business loan (equipment, inventory, receivables), they file a UCC financing statement with the Texas Secretary of State. This is normal and legal. Make sure you understand what collateral is being pledged before signing.

§ 06 — Ask a question

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§ 07 — Part of The Legacy Bridge Network

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