Business financing in Presidio County.

Small business financing means getting access to money — a loan, a line of credit, a microloan, or a grant — to start, run, or grow a business. In Presidio County, that could mean a sole proprietor in Marfa needing equipment, a contractor in Presidio town needing working capital between jobs, or a small landlord needing repairs on a rental property.

Financing is not one-size-fits-all. The right product depends on how long you have been in business, what you need the money for, your credit history, and whether you have collateral (something of value to back the loan). Most local lenders will work with you even if your credit is thin — especially CDFIs, whose mission is to serve people that traditional banks overlook.

Grants are also worth exploring. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid. They are competitive and often targeted — for example, rural businesses, minority-owned businesses, or agricultural operations. We cover local and state grant resources in the lenders section below.

Presidio County's economy is built around ranching, agriculture, retail trade along the US-Mexico border, tourism (especially in and around Marfa), construction contracting, and small service businesses. These are exactly the types of businesses that community lenders and CDFIs are designed to support.

Here is who typically qualifies for small business financing in this region:

• **Sole proprietors and self-employed contractors** — including plumbers, electricians, and construction workers who operate under their own name or a simple LLC.

• **Farm and ranch operators** — including those who need seasonal operating loans or equipment financing.

• **Retail and food businesses** — restaurants, tiendas, and shops serving both locals and visitors.

• **New businesses** — some microlenders will work with you even before you have 12 months of revenue.

• **ITIN holders** — several lenders in this region accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of a Social Security Number. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to borrow.

Being in a rural, low-income, or border county like Presidio can actually work in your favor with many lenders — they have specific programs for exactly this geography.

Every lender is a little different, but gathering these documents before you apply will save you time and make you look prepared:

**Identity & Tax Documents**

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

• Social Security Number or ITIN

• Last 2 years of personal tax returns (Form 1040)

• Last 2 years of business tax returns (if your business has been open that long)

**Business Documents**

• Business license or DBA registration (from the Presidio County Clerk or Texas Secretary of State)

• Articles of Organization or Incorporation (if you have an LLC or corporation)

• 3–6 months of business bank statements

• Accounts receivable or a list of current contracts (helpful for contractors)

**Financial Statements**

• Profit and loss statement (even a simple one you prepare yourself)

• Balance sheet (assets and debts)

• Cash flow projection if you are a startup

**Loan-Specific Documents**

• Business plan (required by most SBA-backed loans and many CDFIs — local lenders can help you build one)

• Equipment quotes or invoices (if buying equipment)

• Property information (if using real estate as collateral)

Do not be discouraged if you do not have everything. Local CDFIs and credit unions will often sit with you and help you get organized before you apply. That is part of what they do.