BUSINESS FINANCING · TX

Business Financing Guide for Travis County, Texas

Travis County is one of the fastest-growing business corridors in the country, and there are real local resources — CDFIs, credit unions, and community lenders — ready to help solo contractors and small business owners access financing. You do not need perfect credit or a Social Security Number to get started. This guide walks you through what financing options exist, who qualifies, what documents you will need, and which local organizations actually serve this community. Take your time, compare your options, and never feel pressured to sign anything right away.

§ 01 — What it is

What Is Business Financing — and What Does It Look Like in Travis County?

Business financing is any loan, line of credit, or funding program that helps you start, run, or grow a business. In Travis County — which includes Austin and surrounding communities like Pflugerville, Manor, Del Valle, and Lago Vista — you will find a wide range of options designed for different stages and sizes of business. The most common types include: • **Microloans** – Small loans, typically under $50,000, designed for startups and very small businesses. Local CDFIs and nonprofit lenders are the best source for these. • **Small Business Term Loans** – A lump sum you repay over a fixed period, often used for equipment, inventory, or buildout costs. • **Lines of Credit** – Flexible borrowing you draw from as needed, good for managing cash flow between contracts or jobs. • **SBA-Backed Loans** – Loans made by local banks and credit unions but partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This reduces risk for the lender, which often means better terms for you. • **CDFI Loans** – Community Development Financial Institutions are mission-driven lenders that specifically serve people who have been left out of traditional banking — including immigrants, solo contractors, and business owners with thin or no credit history. Travis County's economy is driven by construction, technology, food service, landscaping, retail, and professional services. Local lenders here understand those industries and have built products around them.

§ 02 — Who qualifies

Who Qualifies — and How Travis County's Economy Shapes Eligibility

Eligibility varies by lender, but here is what you need to know broadly: **You may qualify even if:** • You do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) — many local lenders accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) • Your business is newer or has limited revenue history • Your personal credit score is below 680 • You are a sole proprietor, DBA, or independent contractor — not a formal LLC or corporation **General baseline requirements most lenders look for:** • At least 6–12 months of business activity (some microloans accept startups) • A demonstrated ability to repay — shown through bank statements, invoices, or tax returns • A business or personal address in Travis County or the surrounding service area • Positive character references or business plan for newer applicants **Travis County context:** The Austin metro has a large and growing Latino entrepreneurial community, particularly in the construction, food service, and landscaping trades. Several local CDFIs and credit unions have explicitly designed their programs for this community, including ITIN-only applicants. If you file taxes with an ITIN — even without an SSN — you are already building a financial record that local lenders respect. If you are undocumented but have been operating a legitimate business, paying taxes, and have an ITIN, do not assume you are automatically disqualified. Speak directly with a CDFI or ITIN-friendly credit union before giving up on the idea.

§ 03 — What you need

Documents You Will Typically Need

Every lender is different, but gathering these items before you apply will save you significant time: **Identity & Tax Documents** • Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, Matrícula Consular, or foreign ID) • ITIN letter or SSN (whichever applies to you) • Last 1–2 years of personal tax returns (Form 1040 or 1040-NR) • IRS Form 4506-C (lenders use this to verify your tax transcripts) **Business Documents** • Business tax returns or Schedule C (last 1–2 years, if available) • 3–6 months of business bank statements (or personal if you haven't opened a business account yet) • Business licenses, DBA registration, or LLC formation documents • Proof of business address (utility bill, lease, or signed contract with a client) **Financial Statements** • A simple profit and loss statement — even a handwritten one organized by month can help • List of outstanding debts or existing loans • Accounts receivable list (invoices you are owed) if applicable **For Larger Loans or SBA Products** • Business plan (a one-page summary is usually enough at the community level) • Collateral description — equipment, vehicle, or real estate you own • Personal financial statement **Tip:** If you do not have a business bank account, open one before you apply. Many local credit unions offer free or low-cost business checking. A separate account shows lenders you are running a real operation.

§ 04 — Where to start in Travis County

Local Lenders, CDFIs, and Organizations That Serve Travis County

These are real organizations with a presence in or explicitly serving Travis County. Origen Capital is a directory — we do not endorse any single lender. Always compare terms. --- **LiftFund (San Antonio & Austin)** One of the largest CDFIs in Texas. LiftFund offers microloans and small business loans ranging from $500 to $1 million. They are known for working with ITIN holders, startups, and borrowers with limited credit history. They have staff in Austin who speak Spanish. Website: liftfund.com **PeopleFund (Austin — headquartered here)** A Texas-based CDFI headquartered in Austin that specializes in underserved entrepreneurs in Travis County and surrounding areas. PeopleFund offers microloans, SBA Community Advantage loans, and technical assistance. They offer free one-on-one advising before you apply. Website: peoplefund.org **Acción Opportunity Fund** A national CDFI with active lending in Texas that focuses heavily on Latino and immigrant small business owners. They accept ITIN, work with newer businesses, and have Spanish-speaking loan officers. Website: accionopportunityfund.org **University Federal Credit Union (UFCU)** Based in Austin, UFCU is one of the largest credit unions in Texas and has a strong small business lending program. They offer business checking, term loans, and lines of credit. More accessible than big banks for solo contractors and small operators. Website: ufcu.org **Austin Telco Federal Credit Union** Another Austin-based credit union offering small business products. Worth speaking with directly about their current small business loan offerings for Travis County members. **Broadway Bank (Austin branches)** A Texas-based community bank with a history of working with small business owners and offering SBA loan products in the Austin market. **SBA South Texas / Austin District Office** The SBA's Austin District Office covers Travis County. They do not lend money directly, but they connect you to SBA-approved lenders and free resources. Their SCORE mentors and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) partners offer free advising. Call: (512) 916-5900 | Website: sba.gov/offices/district/tx/austin **Austin SBDC (Small Business Development Center)** Hosted at Austin Community College, the Austin SBDC offers free consulting, loan packaging help, and business plan review for Travis County entrepreneurs. They help you get loan-ready before you apply anywhere. Website: sbdcaustin.com **SCORE Austin Chapter** Free mentoring from retired business professionals. They can walk you through your financing options in plain language before you approach any lender. Website: austin.score.org **Amplify Credit Union** Austin-based credit union with small business banking products and a reputation for community focus. Located throughout Travis County. Website: goamplify.com

§ 05 — What to avoid

Texas-Specific Regulatory Notes

Texas has its own financial regulatory environment that affects small business borrowers. Here is what you should know: **Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC)** The OCCC regulates certain types of lenders in Texas, including some alternative and installment lenders. If a lender operating in Texas is licensed, you can verify their license at occc.texas.gov. This is one quick way to check if a lender is operating legally. **No State Income Tax Advantage** Texas has no personal or corporate state income tax, which makes it easier to show income on paper. However, you still need to file federal taxes and maintain clean records for lenders. **Texas Homestead Protections** Texas has strong homestead exemption laws. Your primary home has significant legal protections from most types of business debt collection. However, if you voluntarily pledge your home as collateral for a business loan, those protections can be waived. Never pledge your home as collateral without consulting an attorney first. **Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Banks** Federally chartered banks operating in Travis County are subject to the Community Reinvestment Act, which means they are required to serve low-to-moderate income communities. If a bank has a branch in your neighborhood, they have an obligation to offer products there — you can ask them directly about small business programs tied to CRA goals. **Texas Women's Business Center** The Texas Women's Business Center (TWBC), based in Austin, offers specific resources and financing connections for women-owned businesses in Travis County. Website: texaswbc.org **City of Austin Small Business Program** The City of Austin Office of Small & Minority Business Resources (SMBR) provides certifications and connections to local contracts and some financing resources. Certification as a Minority-Owned Business (MBE) or Women-Owned Business (WBE) can open doors to procurement opportunities that provide steady revenue — making you more creditworthy to lenders. Website: austintexas.gov/smbr

§ 06 — Ask a question

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