Business financing in Mills County.

Business financing is simply money you borrow — or receive — to start, run, or grow a business. It can take many forms: a term loan you pay back monthly, a line of credit you draw from as needed, a microloan for smaller amounts, or a grant you don't have to repay at all.

For contractors and small investors in Mills County, the most common tools are:

• **Term loans** – A lump sum repaid over a fixed schedule. Good for equipment, vehicles, or a one-time project.

• **Lines of credit** – Flexible borrowing up to a set limit. Good for cash flow gaps between jobs.

• **Microloans** – Smaller loans (often $500–$50,000) from CDFIs or nonprofits. Less paperwork, more forgiving credit requirements.

• **SBA-backed loans** – The U.S. Small Business Administration guarantees part of the loan, so local lenders take on less risk and can say yes more often.

• **Equipment financing** – The equipment itself serves as collateral, which can make approval easier.

You don't need perfect credit or years of tax returns to explore your options. Many lenders in this region work with people who are just getting started.

Mills County is a rural agricultural community in Central Texas, anchored by Goldthwaite (the county seat) and built around ranching, farming, hunting leases, and small trades. That context matters when you're applying for financing.

**You may qualify if you are:**

- A sole proprietor, LLC owner, or partnership operating in or near Mills County

- A contractor in construction, landscaping, welding, trucking, or agricultural services

- A small real estate investor buying rural property, a rental home, or a fix-and-flip

- Someone without a Social Security number who files taxes using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)

- A newer business — some lenders work with businesses under two years old, especially with a solid business plan

**Things lenders commonly look at:**

- Personal credit score (but not always the deciding factor)

- Business revenue or projected revenue

- Time in business

- Collateral (land, equipment, vehicles)

- Tax filings — even ITIN-based returns count with many lenders

Rural location can actually work in your favor: some programs specifically target underserved rural counties like Mills. Agricultural ties — even indirect ones — may open doors to USDA-backed financing as well.

Getting your paperwork in order before you apply saves time and increases your chances. Requirements vary by lender, but here's what most will ask for:

**For most business loans:**

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

- Social Security Number or ITIN

- Last 2 years of personal tax returns (or 1 year if you're newer)

- Last 2 years of business tax returns, if you have them

- 3–6 months of business bank statements

- Proof of business registration (LLC filing, DBA certificate, etc.)

- A basic business plan or description of how you'll use the funds

**For microloans or CDFI loans:**

- Requirements are often lighter — some accept 1 year of returns, informal income records, or a written explanation of your business instead of formal financials.

**For ITIN borrowers:**

- ITIN letter from the IRS

- ITIN-based tax returns (Form 1040 with ITIN)

- Some lenders also accept a consular ID (matrícula consular) as a secondary ID

**For equipment or vehicle loans:**

- Quote or invoice for the equipment

- Proof of insurance

Tip: Even if you don't have everything on this list, reach out to a lender or CDFI anyway. Many will walk you through what they need rather than turning you away at the door.