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State Guide

SBA Loans in Texas

Everything Texas business owners need to know about SBA 7(a) and 504 financing in the Lone Star State.

By Thomas Hartwell | Updated

SBA loan requirements in Texas are the same as everywhere else, because they are federal. You need a for-profit U.S. business, 100% ownership by U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals (changed March 1, 2026), an equity injection of at least 10% of total project cost on a change of ownership, and debt service coverage that clears the SBA floor (1.15 on a loan over $350k, 1:1 on a global basis, per SOP 50 10 8). What actually differs by state is which lenders are active and how fast they move, so look for SBA Preferred Lenders in Texas.

Texas SBA Lending at a Glance (FY2024)

12,847
Total SBA Loans
$6.2B
Total Volume
$482K
Average Loan Size
#2
State Ranking

Why Texas is a Strong Market for SBA Loans

Texas ranks second nationally in SBA loan volume, behind only California. The state's business-friendly environment, lack of state income tax, and diverse economy make it a prime market for small business financing. Major metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin each have strong small business ecosystems.

Top SBA Lenders in Texas

Texas has a strong banking sector with many active SBA lenders:

Large Banks

  • Frost Bank - San Antonio-headquartered, strong Texas presence
  • Texas Capital Bank - Dallas-based business bank
  • Comerica Bank - Active across Texas metros
  • Cadence Bank - Regional presence in Texas

Community Banks

  • Independent Bank - McKinney-based community bank
  • Spirit of Texas Bank - College Station area
  • Amarillo National Bank - Panhandle region
  • First State Bank - Multiple locations statewide

CDCs for 504 Loans

  • Mercantile Capital Corporation - Houston-based CDC
  • Texas Certified Development Company - Statewide coverage
  • Capital CDC - Austin and Central Texas

Texas-Specific Industries

While SBA loans work for any eligible business, certain industries are particularly strong in Texas:

Restaurants

Texas's food culture drives strong restaurant demand. BBQ, Tex-Mex, and farm-to-table concepts thrive.

Hotels

Business travel and tourism support hotel investments across Texas metros.

Franchises

Population growth drives franchise expansion. Fast food, fitness, and services are popular.

Other Industries

Manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services also see strong SBA activity.

SBA Resources in Texas

Texas has several SBA district offices and resources:

  • Houston District Office - Covers Southeast Texas
  • Dallas/Fort Worth District Office - Covers North Texas
  • San Antonio District Office - Covers South and Central Texas
  • El Paso District Office - Covers West Texas
  • Lubbock Branch Office - Covers the Panhandle

Each office works with local SCORE chapters and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to provide free counseling and training.

Getting an SBA Loan in Texas

The process is the same as anywhere in the U.S.:

  1. Assess your qualifications (credit, experience, equity)
  2. Gather your documents
  3. Find a Texas-based or national SBA lender
  4. Submit a complete application
  5. Work through underwriting
  6. Close and fund

For detailed step-by-step guidance, see our Complete Guide to SBA Loans.

Texas SBA Loan FAQ

What are the best SBA lenders in Texas?

Top SBA lenders in Texas include Frost Bank, Texas Capital Bank, Comerica Bank, and numerous community banks. Many Texas-based CDCs also participate in the 504 program. Look for SBA Preferred Lenders for faster processing.

Are SBA loan requirements different in Texas?

SBA requirements are federal and consistent nationwide. However, Texas lenders may have additional criteria, and certain industries common in Texas (oil & gas, ranching) have specific SBA guidelines.

How long does it take to get an SBA loan in Texas?

Expect 60-90 days for a standard SBA 7(a) loan in Texas. Working with a Preferred Lender can speed up the process. Texas's strong banking sector means competitive options.

Can I use an SBA loan to buy a restaurant in Texas?

Yes, SBA 7(a) loans are commonly used for restaurant acquisitions and startups in Texas. Texas's large food service industry means many lenders have experience with restaurant deals.

What is the maximum SBA loan amount in Texas?

SBA loan limits are federal: up to $5 million for 7(a) loans and $5.5 million for 504 loans. These limits apply in Texas just as they do nationwide.

SBA Loans in Other States

California

#1 in SBA loan volume

Florida

#3 in SBA loan volume

New York

#4 in SBA loan volume

SBA Guides by Industry

Get industry-specific SBA lending guidance for your business type.

Hotel Restaurant Franchise Dental

Get Industry-Specific Guidance

SBA requirements vary by industry. Get the complete guide for your business type.

Restaurant Guide Hotel Guide Franchise Guide Dental Guide

GOING DEEPER

Found a lender. Now, how much do you need to put down?

Lenders vary by state. The SBA rules do not. The Down Payment Structurer runs it on your actual deal, for your industry, and tells you what to do about the answer. Six inputs, already filled in, verdict at the top.

See the Down Payment Structurer, $9

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