Searching for trusted Houston SBA lenders to power your business growth? Our comprehensive directory connects Houston entrepreneurs with approved SBA loan providers throughout the metropolitan area including Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, and surrounding communities. Whether you’re exploring SBA 7(a) loans, 504 loans, microloans, or disaster assistance, our list features the most active small business lenders with competitive rates and flexible terms for Houston businesses. Discover which local banks, credit unions, and financial institutions participate in Small Business Administration lending programs, compare their requirements, and find the ideal financing partner to help your Houston small business thrive in one of America’s most dynamic and diverse economic centers.
| Microlenders | City | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| LiftFund | Houston | 281-612-1816 | houston.liftfund.com |
| PeopleFund | Houston | 346-200 -5871 | peoplefund.org |
| Traditional Lenders | |||
| Amegy Bank | Houston | 713-232-1543 | amegybank.com |
| Amerant Bank | Houston | 713-331-4292 | amerantbank.com |
| Ameris Bank | Houston | 281-384-2595 | amerisbank.com |
| BancorpSouth | Houston | 346-226-3262 | bancorpsouth.com |
| Bank of America | Houston | 713-247-6078 | bankofamerica.com |
| Bank of Houston | Houston | 713-497-1506 | bohbank.com |
| Bank of Texas | Houston | 713-578-3643 | bankoftex.com |
| Bank OZK | Houston | 281-999-9106 | ozk.com/business |
| Berkshire Bank | Houston | 832-549-5895 | 44businesscapital.com |
| Cadence Bank | Houston | 713-871-4171 | cadencebank.com |
| Capital One | Houston | 713-212-5190 | capitalone.com |
| Celtic Bank | Houston | 877-278-4431 | celticbank.com |
| Central Bank | Houston | 713-703-5329 | cbhou.com |
| Comerica Bank | Houston | 713-507-7876 | comerica.com |
| Commercial Bank of Texas | Houston | 936-633-5806 | cbtx.com |
| East West Bank | Houston | 713-414-3578 | eastwestbank.com |
| Enterprise Bank & Trust | Houston | 281-660-0777 | enterprisebank.com |
| First Service Credit Union | Houston | 713-676-8950 | fscu.com |
| First State Bank | Houston | 979-265-2511 | fsboftx.com |
| Frost Bank | Houston | 210-220-4893 | frostbank.com |
| Golden Bank | Houston | 713-596-6916 | goldenbank-na.com |
| Hancock Whitney Bank | Houston | 713-951-7187 | hancockwhitney.com |
| Hanmi Bank | Houston | 281-217-2191 | hanmi.com |
| HBDi | Houston | 713-845-2400 | hbdi.org |
| Home Bank | Houston | 504-378-3505 | home24bank.com |
| Independent Bank | Houston | 713-335-8739 | independent-bank.com |
| JPMorgan Chase | Houston | 713-262-0331 | chase.com |
| Lone Star Bank | Houston | 713-358-9422 | lsbtexas.com |
| Metro City Bank | Houston | 832-844-3880 | metrocitybank.bank |
| Midwest Regional Bank | Houston | 281-305-7777 | www.mwrbank.com |
| PeopleFund | Houston | 346-200-5871 | peoplefund.org |
| Plains Capital Bank | Houston | 713-749-8125 | plainscapital.com |
| Plains State Bank | Houston | 713-559-6807 | psbplains.com |
| PNC Bank | Houston | 713-966-2379 | pnc.com |
| PrimeWay FCU | Houston | 713-799-6319 | primewayfcu.com |
| Prosperity Bank | Houston | 936-825-7030 | prosperitybankusa.com |
| Ready Capital | Houston | 713-589-2127 | readycapital.com |
| Regions Bank | Houston | 469-608-2674 | regions.com/small-business |
| Security State Bank & Trust | Bee Cave | 512-263-1600 | ssbtexas.com |
| Simmons Bank | Houston | 501-244-1453 | simmonsbank.com |
| Southwestern National | Houston | 713-995-3230 | swnbk.com |
| Stellar Bank | Houston | 281-894-3224 | stellar.bank |
| Sunflower Bank | Houston | 469-666-6706 | sunflowerbank.com |
| Texas Advantage Community Bank | Houston | 281-997-7715 | texasadvtantagecommunitybank.com |
| Texas Capital Bank | Houston | 512-305-4074 | texascapitalbank.com |
| Texas Citizens Bank | Houston | 713-948-5794 | texascitizenbank.com |
| Texas Dow Employee CU | Houston | 800-839-1154 | tdecu.org |
| Texas Gulf Bank | Houston | 713-248-5890 | texasgulfbank.com |
| The Mint National Bank | Houston | 281-359-6468 | themint.bank |
| Third Coast Bank | Houston | 713-960-1300 | tcbssb.com |
| TruFund | Houston | 504-293-5526 | trufund.org |
| Truist Bank | Houston | 770-633-5855 | truist.com |
| Trustmark National Bank | Houston | 281-315-1129 | trustmark.com |
| United Community Bank | Houston | 413-336-4441 | ucbi.com |
| United Midwest Savings Bank | Panama City | 850-249-6886 | umwsb.com |
| Unity National Bank | Houston | 281-835-2402 | unitybanktexas.com |
| Velocity Bank | Houston | 281-900-3212 | velocitycu.com |
| Veritex Community Bank | Houston | 713-275-8546 | veritexbank.com |
| Wallis Bank | Houston | 713-935-3723 | wallisbank.com |
| Wells Fargo Bank | Houston | 281-636-5717 | wellsfargo.com |
| CDCs | |||
| Capital CDC | Houston | 936-931-2022 | capitalcdc.com |
| Community CDC | Houston | 713-457-1650 | communitybusinessfinance.com |
| Greater Texas CDC | Houston | 832-544-6616 | getcdc.org |
| Houston-Galveston Area Local CDC | Houston | 855-364-2516 | hgaldc.com |
| LiftFund | Houston | 281-612-1806 | houston.liftfund.com |
| Lone Star State Capital CDC | Houston | 713-845-2408 | hbdi.org |
| North Texas CDC | Houston | 281-794-0065 | northtexascdc.com |
| SE Texas Economic Development Foundation | Houston | 409-924-7544 | setedf.org |
| PeopleFund | Houston | 888-222-0017 | Peoplefund.org |
| SBICs | |||
| Genesis Park | Houston | 713-299-5517 | genesis-park.com |
| Main Street Capital Corporation | Houston | 713-350-6039 | mainstcapital.com |
| Stellus Capital | Houston | 713-292-5414 | stelluscapital.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are SBA loans and how do they work in Houston?
A: SBA loans are government-backed loans provided through approved lenders in Houston. The Small Business Administration guarantees a portion of the loan, reducing risk for lenders and allowing them to offer more favorable terms to Houston small businesses. The lender provides the funds while the SBA guarantees repayment up to a certain percentage, typically 75-85% depending on the program. This structure enables Houston entrepreneurs to access capital with lower down payments, longer repayment terms, and competitive interest rates compared to conventional business loans.
Q: What types of SBA loans are available to Houston businesses?
A: Houston businesses can access various SBA loan programs including:
- SBA 7(a) loans: The most common program for general business purposes with loans up to $5 million
- SBA 504 loans: For major fixed asset purchases like real estate or equipment
- SBA Microloans: Smaller loans up to $50,000 for startups and smaller businesses
- SBA Express loans: Faster approval process with loans up to $500,000
- SBA Disaster loans: Special assistance for businesses affected by declared disasters
Q: What are the minimum requirements to qualify for an SBA loan in Houston?
A: To qualify for an SBA loan in Houston, businesses typically need:
- For-profit operation based in the Houston metropolitan area
- Owner-occupied (not primarily for investment)
- Good personal credit (typically 650+ FICO score)
- Sufficient cash flow to support loan payments
- No recent bankruptcies, foreclosures, or defaults on government loans
- Reasonable owner equity investment (typically 10-30% depending on the program)
- Operating history of at least 2 years (though some lenders work with startups)
Q: How do Houston SBA lenders support businesses in the energy and petrochemical sectors?
A: Houston’s energy leadership has created specialized SBA lending expertise in these sectors. Several Houston lenders have developed industry-specific loan packages designed for oilfield service companies, energy technology developers, specialized equipment manufacturers, and professional service firms supporting the energy ecosystem. These lenders understand the unique capital needs, cyclical nature, and growth trajectories of energy-related businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some Houston SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership’s Energy Advisory Committee, the Houston Energy Corridor District, and industry associations like the Petroleum Equipment & Services Association to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen Houston’s energy economy by financing businesses that support the region’s major energy corporations, with particular attention to companies implementing technologies and services that improve efficiency, safety, and environmental performance. From specialized equipment manufacturers in the Energy Corridor to engineering firms in downtown Houston to technology developers in The Woodlands, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps energy entrepreneurs navigate industry cycles while creating innovative solutions that maintain Houston’s position as the global energy capital.
Q: Are there special SBA loan programs for Houston’s healthcare and life sciences businesses?
A: Yes, Houston’s world-class medical presence has influenced local SBA lending practices. Several Houston lenders offer tailored loan packages for medical practices, healthcare technology developers, biomedical researchers, and specialized service providers supporting the Texas Medical Center and the broader healthcare ecosystem. These lenders understand the unique regulatory considerations, capital needs, and growth trajectories of healthcare businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some Houston SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the Texas Medical Center Innovation Institute, BioHouston, and the Houston Health Collaborative to help businesses access both financing and industry support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen Houston’s position as a global healthcare hub by financing businesses that complement the Texas Medical Center – the world’s largest medical complex – and the region’s extensive healthcare infrastructure. From specialized medical practices in the Medical Center to healthcare technology developers in the Innovation District to life sciences companies throughout the metropolitan area, these lenders have developed expertise in helping healthcare entrepreneurs navigate the complex healthcare landscape while developing solutions that improve patient outcomes and create high-value employment opportunities in this growing sector.
Q: How do Houston SBA lenders help businesses in the manufacturing and industrial sectors?
A: Houston’s industrial strength has created specialized lending expertise for manufacturing businesses. Several Houston SBA lenders offer industry-specific loan packages designed for fabricators, component manufacturers, industrial equipment makers, and specialized production facilities. These lenders understand the unique equipment needs, facility requirements, and operational considerations of manufacturing businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some Houston lenders coordinate with organizations like the East Harris County Manufacturers Association, the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, and the Association of Manufacturing Excellence to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen Houston’s manufacturing base by financing businesses that supply the region’s major industrial sectors from energy to aerospace to construction. From precision machining operations in north Houston to chemical processors along the Ship Channel to electronics manufacturers in Fort Bend County, these lenders have developed expertise in financing manufacturing ventures that leverage Houston’s strategic location, logistics infrastructure, and skilled workforce. As manufacturing continues evolving with new technologies and automation, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps manufacturers invest in equipment, facilities, and workforce development while creating high-quality employment opportunities throughout Houston’s diverse industrial corridors.
Q: Can technology and innovation businesses in Houston access specialized SBA financing?
A: Yes, Houston’s growing technology ecosystem benefits from specialized SBA lending expertise. Several Houston lenders offer tailored loan packages for software developers, clean technology innovators, digital service providers, and other technology-focused businesses from the Innovation District to the Energy Corridor to The Woodlands. These lenders understand the unique growth patterns and capital needs of technology businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some Houston SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like Houston Exponential, Station Houston, the Ion, and the Houston Technology Center to provide comprehensive support. While early-stage startups typically rely on equity financing, SBA loans become viable options as technology companies reach revenue generation and scaling phases. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen Houston’s technology ecosystem by financing businesses that leverage the region’s technical expertise, research institutions, and industry strengths. From energy technology developers in the Energy Corridor to medical software companies near the Texas Medical Center to aerospace technology firms in the Clear Lake area, these lenders help finance diverse technology ventures that are creating high-skill employment opportunities while helping Houston diversify beyond traditional industries. As Houston continues building its reputation as a technology hub, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps tech entrepreneurs scale their businesses while maintaining roots in the region.
Q: How do Houston SBA lenders support minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities?
A: Houston’s exceptional diversity has led to specialized lending approaches for businesses in historically underserved communities. Several Houston SBA lenders have developed programs specifically focused on expanding capital access for entrepreneurs of color throughout the metropolitan area. These lenders often coordinate with organizations like the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, the Asian Chamber of Commerce, and community development financial institutions to provide culturally responsive support. Some Houston lenders participate in the SBA Community Advantage program and other initiatives specifically designed to increase lending in underserved markets. These specialized lending programs align with Houston’s position as America’s most diverse large city by providing targeted outreach, technical assistance, and financing structures that address the specific challenges minority entrepreneurs may face. From neighborhood-serving businesses in Third Ward to innovative startups in East End to manufacturing enterprises in Acres Homes, these lenders help finance diverse business ventures that strengthen local economies while creating pathways to wealth creation in communities that have historically faced barriers to capital access.
Q: Are there specialized SBA loan programs for Houston’s international trade and logistics businesses?
A: Yes, Houston’s global connectivity has influenced local SBA lending practices. Several Houston SBA lenders have developed expertise in financing freight forwarders, customs brokers, warehousing operations, distribution centers, and other businesses facilitating international commerce through the Port of Houston and the region’s international airports. These lenders understand the unique regulatory considerations, working capital needs, and growth trajectories of trade-related businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some Houston lenders coordinate with organizations like the Port Houston Small Business Development Program, the International Trade Center, and the District Export Council to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen Houston’s position as a leading international trade hub by financing businesses that facilitate exports and imports through the nation’s busiest port in terms of foreign tonnage. From logistics companies in the Ship Channel area to customs specialists near Bush Intercontinental Airport to international marketing firms in the Energy Corridor, these lenders help finance enterprises that connect Houston businesses to global markets. As international trade patterns continue evolving, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps trade-related businesses develop the capabilities needed to navigate complex global commerce while creating employment opportunities that leverage Houston’s multicultural workforce and strategic location.
Q: How do Houston SBA lenders support businesses in the construction and real estate development sectors?
A: Houston’s dynamic growth has led to specialized lending approaches for construction-related businesses. Several Houston SBA lenders have developed programs specifically focused on financing contractors, specialty trade companies, engineering firms, and real estate service providers. These lenders understand the project-based nature of construction work and can structure loans that accommodate the industry’s distinctive cash flow patterns and bonding requirements. Some Houston lenders coordinate with organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Houston, the Greater Houston Builders Association, and the Houston Contractors Association to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs align with Houston’s ongoing development by providing capital solutions that help construction businesses secure the equipment, materials, and working capital needed to participate in the region’s building activity. From commercial contractors in downtown Houston to residential builders in suburban communities to specialty trade companies throughout the metropolitan area, these lenders help finance diverse construction ventures that literally build Houston’s future. As the region continues growing with new residential communities, commercial developments, and infrastructure projects, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps construction entrepreneurs grow their capacity while creating significant employment opportunities in this essential sector.
Q: How do Houston SBA lenders support businesses in the aerospace and aviation sectors?
A: Houston’s NASA heritage has created specialized lending expertise for aerospace businesses. Several Houston lenders offer industry-specific loan packages designed for aerospace suppliers, aviation service providers, space technology developers, and companies supporting NASA Johnson Space Center operations. These lenders understand the unique contracting requirements, certification standards, and capital needs of aerospace businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some Houston SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, the Aerospace Innovation Hub, and the Houston Spaceport development to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen Houston’s aerospace ecosystem by financing businesses that complement NASA and major aerospace contractors, with particular attention to companies developing innovative technologies for both government and commercial space applications. From specialized component manufacturers in the Clear Lake area to aviation maintenance providers near Houston’s airports to technology firms developing solutions for space exploration, these lenders help finance diverse aerospace ventures that leverage Houston’s deep expertise in this prestigious field. As commercial space activity accelerates and NASA pursues ambitious new missions, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps entrepreneurs participate in the space economy while creating high-value employment opportunities in this knowledge-intensive sector.
Q: How do Houston SBA lenders support businesses owned by women and veterans?
A: Houston’s entrepreneurial diversity has influenced local SBA lending practices. Several Houston SBA lenders have developed specialized programs focused on expanding capital access for women business owners and veteran entrepreneurs throughout the metropolitan area. These lenders often coordinate with organizations like the Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance, the Women’s Business Center at WBEA, the Veteran Business Network, and the SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center to provide targeted support. Some Houston lenders offer mentoring connections, specialized workshops, and networking opportunities alongside their financing options. These specialized lending programs align with Houston’s strong military connections and growing female entrepreneurship by providing outreach and financing structures that address the specific challenges these entrepreneurs may face. From professional service firms to manufacturing operations to technology ventures, these lenders help finance diverse business ventures led by women and veterans who contribute significantly to Houston’s economic vitality. As these demographic groups continue increasing their entrepreneurial participation, these lenders have developed expertise in helping them overcome traditional barriers to capital access while building sustainable businesses that create economic opportunities throughout Houston’s diverse communities.
Q: What other resources are available for SBA loans?
A: Other resources provided by Bigger Bottom Line include:
Q: How do I get assistance in getting an SBA or other business loan?
A: Contact the experts! We can assist from advising which lenders to submit to all the way through to developing & submitting a complete business loan package and anything in between. Contact us now for a free evaluation.