BUSINESS FINANCING · TX

Business Financing Guide for Navarro County, Texas

This guide helps solo contractors, small business owners, and real-estate investors in Navarro County, Texas find trustworthy financing options close to home. We cover who qualifies, what documents you need, and which local lenders, credit unions, and community organizations actually serve this area. We also point out common traps so you can protect yourself and your business.

§ 01 — What it is

What Is Business Financing — and Why It Matters in Navarro County

Business financing means borrowing money — or accessing credit — to start, grow, or stabilize a business. In Navarro County, which includes the city of Corsicana and surrounding rural communities, small businesses are the backbone of the local economy. Agriculture, light manufacturing, retail, construction trades, and service businesses all depend on accessible capital to buy equipment, cover payroll, manage seasonal cash flow, or invest in real estate. Financing comes in several forms: • **Term loans** — A lump sum you pay back over a fixed schedule, good for equipment or renovation. • **Lines of credit** — Flexible funds you draw and repay as needed, ideal for cash-flow gaps. • **Microloans** — Smaller loans (typically under $50,000) from community lenders, often with flexible underwriting. • **SBA-backed loans** — Loans made by local banks or CDFIs with a federal guarantee, reducing risk for the lender and making approval more attainable for you. • **Real-estate investor loans** — Including fix-and-flip bridge loans, DSCR loans, or small-balance commercial mortgages. Understanding what type of financing fits your situation is the first step — before you talk to any lender.

§ 02 — Who qualifies

Who Qualifies — Tied to the Navarro County Economy

Lenders in and around Navarro County look at your overall financial picture, not just your credit score. Here is a realistic snapshot of who can qualify: **Solo contractors and tradespeople** (electricians, plumbers, roofers, HVAC techs): If you have a Texas contractor registration, a few months of bank statements showing steady deposits, and basic business records, many community lenders will consider you — even if your credit is a work in progress. **Agricultural and rural business owners**: Navarro County has a strong agricultural history. USDA programs — accessed through local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices — support farm operations, rural businesses, and agribusiness startups. You do not have to own a large farm to qualify for some of these programs. **Immigrant entrepreneurs and ITIN holders**: If you do not have a Social Security Number but pay taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you are not shut out. Several CDFIs and ITIN-friendly lenders described below serve Navarro County borrowers without requiring SSNs. **Real-estate investors**: Small landlords and fix-and-flip investors in Corsicana and the surrounding area can access DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans and small-balance commercial mortgages. These products often look at the income the property generates, not just your personal income. **Startups and newer businesses**: Businesses under two years old face stricter standards at traditional banks, but CDFIs and microloan programs are specifically designed for this stage. General factors lenders consider: time in business, personal and business credit history, monthly revenue, collateral (equipment, real estate, inventory), and ability to repay.

§ 03 — What you need

Documents You Will Typically Need

Gathering paperwork before you apply saves time and improves your chances. The exact list varies by lender, but here is a solid starting checklist for Navarro County applicants: **For all applicants:** • Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID card — Matrícula Consular is accepted by some ITIN-friendly lenders) • ITIN or SSN • Last 3–6 months of personal and business bank statements • Proof of business registration in Texas (DBA filing, LLC certificate, or sole-proprietor registration from the Texas Secretary of State) • Basic profit-and-loss statement or income summary (your tax preparer can help with this) **For established businesses:** • Last 2 years of business and personal tax returns • Current accounts receivable / accounts payable summary • Business debt schedule (a list of any existing loans or leases) **For real-estate investors:** • Property address and purchase contract (if buying) • Rent roll or lease agreements (for rental properties) • Scope of work and contractor bids (for renovation projects) • Most recent mortgage statement (for refinances) **For SBA-backed loans:** • SBA Form 1919 (borrower information) • SBA Form 413 (personal financial statement) • Business plan (for startups or loan amounts over $150,000) Tip: Many CDFIs and community lenders in Texas will work with you on documents — especially if you are self-employed or have non-traditional income. Do not assume you are disqualified before you ask.

§ 04 — Where to start in Navarro County

Local Lenders, CDFIs, Credit Unions, and SBA Resources That Serve Navarro County

This is the heart of the guide. These organizations actually serve Navarro County — they are not distant national platforms. Origen Capital is a directory, not a lender, so always verify current programs and contact information directly. --- **LiftFund (San Antonio / statewide Texas CDFI)** LiftFund is one of the largest CDFIs in the country and serves all of Texas, including Navarro County. They offer microloans from $500 up to $1 million, with a focus on underserved entrepreneurs — including startups, ITIN borrowers, and low-credit applicants. Their loan advisors speak Spanish and will walk you through the process step by step. Website: liftfund.com **PeopleFund (Austin / statewide Texas CDFI)** PeopleFund is a Texas-based CDFI that provides small-business loans, microloans, and technical assistance to businesses that face barriers with traditional banks. They serve rural Texas counties, including the Corsicana area. They also offer free one-on-one business coaching. Website: peoplefund.org **Lone Star National Bank / Regional Community Banks in the Corsicana Area** Corsicana has several community bank branches that participate in SBA lending, including SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 programs. Community National Bank and First National Bank of Central Texas are examples of regional institutions that understand the local economy. Ask specifically whether a branch offers SBA-guaranteed products, since not every branch does. **Greater Corsicana Area Credit Unions** Credit unions are member-owned and often have more flexible underwriting than big banks. Look into: • **Navarro County Employees Credit Union** — serves county employees and may extend membership to family members. • **Cornerstone Credit Union** (headquartered in Farmington, TX, with broader East Texas reach) — offers small business products. Credit union membership requirements vary — call ahead to ask if you qualify. **ITIN-Friendly Lenders** Several online CDFIs and mission-driven lenders accept ITIN and serve Texas borrowers remotely: • **Accion Opportunity Fund** — Serves Texas small businesses, accepts ITIN, offers loans from $5,000 to $250,000, and provides bilingual support. Website: accionopportunityfund.org • **Camino Financial** — An online ITIN-friendly lender focused on Latino-owned small businesses. Website: caminofinancial.com **SBA Dallas/Fort Worth District Office** Navarro County falls under the SBA Dallas/Fort Worth District Office, which oversees SBA lender relationships and small business development resources for this region. • Address: 4300 Amon Carter Blvd., Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76155 • Phone: (817) 684-5500 • Website: sba.gov/offices/district/tx/fort-worth The district office does not make loans directly, but they can connect you with SBA-approved lenders and refer you to free technical assistance. **SBDC — Small Business Development Center (Navarro College)** Navarro College in Corsicana hosts a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) through the North Texas SBDC network. SBDCs offer free, confidential business advising — including help writing a business plan, understanding your financing options, and preparing a loan application. This is a great first stop before you approach any lender. • Website: ntsbdc.org • Located at Navarro College, Corsicana campus — call ahead for current advising hours. **USDA Rural Development — Texas State Office** For rural businesses and agricultural operations in Navarro County, USDA Rural Development offers Business & Industry (B&I) loan guarantees, the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP), and other rural financing tools. Contact the Texas USDA Rural Development state office or your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office in Corsicana for eligibility specifics. • USDA Texas Rural Development: rd.usda.gov/tx • Navarro County FSA Office: located in Corsicana — search 'USDA service centers' at farmers.gov to confirm current address and hours.

§ 05 — What to avoid

Texas-Specific Regulatory Notes

Texas has its own set of rules that affect how business financing works in the state. Here are the most important ones for Navarro County borrowers: **Texas Homestead Protection** Texas has some of the strongest homestead protections in the country. Your primary residence generally cannot be used as collateral for a business loan under most circumstances. This protects your home — but it also means lenders may ask for other collateral, such as equipment or commercial property. **Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC)** The OCCC regulates lenders in Texas, including those offering small business credit products. If a lender claims to operate in Texas but is not registered with the OCCC (or is not a federally chartered bank or credit union), that is a red flag. You can verify a lender's license at: occc.texas.gov **Texas Secretary of State — Business Registrations** Your business should be properly registered in Texas before you apply for most commercial financing. A DBA (doing business as) filing or LLC registration through the Texas Secretary of State adds credibility and is required by many lenders. Fees are modest. Website: sos.state.tx.us **SBA 504 Loans and Texas Assets** The SBA 504 loan program — which helps small businesses purchase real estate or heavy equipment — requires the financed asset to be located in Texas and used in a Texas business. The SBA DFW District Office works with Certified Development Companies (CDCs) in the region to process these loans. **Usury Limits** Texas law caps interest rates on certain loan types, but many commercial and business loans are exempt from these caps. This makes it especially important to compare total loan costs — not just interest rates — when evaluating financing offers.

§ 06 — Ask a question

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