Searching for trusted Lower Rio Grande Valley SBA lenders to power your business growth? Our comprehensive directory connects Rio Grande Valley entrepreneurs with approved SBA loan providers throughout Brownsville, McAllen, Harlingen, Edinburg 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 Valley 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 Rio Grande Valley small business thrive in South Texas’s distinctive border economy.
| Institution Name | City | Phone | Participating Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Bank | Corpus Christi, TX | 512-306-5595 | 7a, SBA Express, 504 |
| Ark-Tex Regional Development Company, Inc. | Texarkana, TX | 903-255-3538 | 504 |
| Business Development Fund of Texas | Brownsville, TX | 956-546-4020 | 504 |
| Cadence Bank | Augusta, GA | 706-951-5414 | 7a, International Trade Loan |
| Capital CDC | Austin, TX | 325-238-8641 | 504 |
| Celtic Bank | Salt Lake City, UT | 801-244-6855 | 7a, SBA Express, 504, USDA |
| Centiennial Bank | Lutz, FL | 813-749-5344 | 7a, SBA Express, 504, International Trade Loan, Export Working Capital, SBA Export Express, USDA |
| Chase Bank | McAllen, TX | 956-664-0783 | 7a, SBA Express, 504 |
| Colony Bank | Dallas, TX | 940-453-0465 | 7a, 504 |
| Comerica Bank | Austin, TX | 512-427-7127 | 7a, SBA Express, Export Working Catpital Program, 504 |
| Communities Unlimited | Fayetteville, AR | 479-443-2700 | Community Advantage, Microloan |
| Evolve Bank and Trust | 951-533-9422 | 7a Business Acquisitions | |
| First Bank of the Lake | Houston, TX | 865-414-4735 | 7a, SBA Express, 504, International Trade Loan, Export Loans, USDA |
| First Internet Bank | Prosper, TX | 909-534-0460 | 7a, SBA Express, 504 |
| First National Bank Texas | Killeen, TX | 254-554-3692 | 7a, SBA Express, 504, Export Express |
| First State Bank | Abilene, TX | 945-223-8113 | 7a, 504, USDA |
| FNBCC Small Business Lending | Douglas, GA | 904-200-0302 | 7a |
| Fresno First Bank | Fresno, CA | 619-846-1870 | 7a, SBA Express, 504, USDA |
| Fresno First Bank | Fresno, CA | 909-786-9018 | 7a, SBA Express, 504, USDA |
| Frost Bank | Brownsville, TX | 956-554-6308 | 7a, 504 |
| Frost Bank | McAllen, TX | 956-668-3073 | 7a, 504 |
| Frost Bank | Harlingen, TX | 956-702-6640 | 7a, 504 |
| Grasshopper Bank | New York, NY | 847-447-7546 | 7a, 504, USDA |
| Grasshopper Bank | New York, NY | 805-551-7184 | 7a, 504, USDA |
| Great Southern Bank | Dallas, TX | 469-232-9478 | 7a, 504 |
| Greater State Bank | McAllen, TX | 956-687-4782 | 7a, SBA Express |
| Greater State Bank | McAllen, TX | 956-687-4782 | 7a, SBA Express |
| Home Bank | Houston, TX | 281-276-1855 | 7a, SBA Express, 504, Microloan |
| Lincoln Savings Bank | IA | 319-505-7285 | 7a, International Trade, 504 |
| Lincoln Savings Bank | Warterloo, IA | 319-215-5693 | 7a, 504 |
| Lincoln Savings Bank | Waterloo, IA | 936-335-3315 | 7a, 504 |
| Live Oak Bank | TX | 480-686-0937 | 7a |
| Lone Star National Bank | McAllen, TX | 956-984-2877 | 7a, 504 |
| Lone Star National Bank | McAllen, TX | 956-984-2618 | 7a, 504 |
| Midwest Regional Bank | Greenwood Village, CO | 303-378-3553 | 7a, USDA |
| Midwest Regional Bank | Denver, CO | 303-981-2587 | 7a |
| National Institutes of Health Federal Credit Union | Rockdale, MD | 301-296-2534 | 7a, 504 |
| NavyArmy Community Credit Union | Corpus Christi, TX | 361-985-7300 x1161 | 7a |
| NavyArmy Community Credit Union | McAllen, TX | 956-205-4700 | 7a |
| Newity LLC | Chicago, IL | 773-839-8089 | 7a |
| Newtek Small Business Finance, Inc. | Boca Raton, FL | 855-763-9835 | 7a, SBA Express, 504 |
| PeopleFund | McAllen, TX | 737-298-0786 | Community Advantage, Microloan, 504 |
| Primis Bank | , | 281-414-8091 | 7a, CapLines (Excluding Builders CapLine), 504 |
| Prosperity Bank | Kingsville, TX | 361-592-2639 | 504 |
| Ready Capital | , | 317-777-0038 | 7a |
| Ready Capital | Houston, TX | 713-589-2127 | 7a, USDA |
| Rio Bank | Edinburg, TX | 956-259-7018 | 7a, 504 |
| Security Service Federal Credit Union | Portland, TX | 210-383-1791 | 7a, 504 |
| Stone Bank | Destin, FL | 850-276-0484 | 7a, 504 |
| TFNB Your Bank for Life | Waco, TX | 254-840-2836 x1106 | 7a, SBA Express, 504 |
| The Bancorp Small Business Lending | Raleigh, NC | 636-236-8263 | 7a, 504, USDA |
| The Freedom Bank of Virginia | Harrison, NY | 914-370-2043 | 7a, International Trade Loan |
| TransPecos Banks | San Antonio, TX | 210-890-2443 | 7a |
| US Bank | Dallas, TX | 214-284-5370 | 7a, 504 |
| ValueBank Texas | Corpus Christi, TX | 361-888-4451 | 7a, SBA Express, Export Express |
| Vantage Bank | McAllen, TX | 956-664-4010 | 7a, SBA Express |
| Wallis Bank | Houston, TX | 713-935-3723 | 7a, 504 |
| Wells Fargo Bank | Houston, TX | 832-763-1873 | 7a, 504 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are SBA loans and how do they work in the Rio Grande Valley?
A: SBA loans are government-backed loans provided through approved lenders in the Rio Grande Valley. The Small Business Administration guarantees a portion of the loan, reducing risk for lenders and allowing them to offer more favorable terms to Valley 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 Rio Grande Valley 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 Rio Grande Valley businesses?
A: Rio Grande Valley 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 the Rio Grande Valley?
A: To qualify for an SBA loan in the Rio Grande Valley, businesses typically need:
- For-profit operation based in the Valley region
- 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 Rio Grande Valley SBA lenders support businesses in the cross-border trade and logistics sectors?
A: The Valley’s strategic border location has created specialized SBA lending expertise in these sectors. Several Rio Grande Valley lenders have developed industry-specific loan packages designed for customs brokers, freight forwarders, warehousing operations, distribution centers, and transportation companies. These lenders understand the unique capital needs, regulatory considerations, and growth trajectories of cross-border businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some Valley SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the Rio South Texas Economic Council, the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, and the South Texas Manufacturing Association to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen the Valley’s position as a vital international trade corridor by financing businesses that facilitate commerce between the United States and Mexico, with particular attention to companies leveraging the region’s Foreign Trade Zones and international bridges. From customs brokerage firms in Brownsville to warehousing operations in Pharr to transportation companies serving the maquiladora industry, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps trade-related businesses leverage the Valley’s strategic position along the U.S.-Mexico border while creating employment opportunities that utilize the region’s bilingual workforce and cross-cultural business expertise.
Q: Are there special SBA loan programs for Rio Grande Valley’s agricultural and food production businesses?
A: Yes, the Valley’s agricultural heritage has influenced local SBA lending practices. Several Rio Grande Valley lenders offer tailored loan packages for specialty crop producers, food processors, cold storage facilities, packing operations, and agribusiness service providers. These lenders understand the seasonal nature of agriculture in the Valley and can structure loans with flexible payment schedules aligned with production cycles. Some Valley SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas International Produce Association, and the South Texas College agricultural programs to help businesses access both financing and industry support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen the Valley’s position as a major agricultural producer by financing businesses that add value to the region’s distinctive crops – from citrus to vegetables to tropical specialties. From produce packing facilities in Mission to cold storage operations in Weslaco to food processing companies in Edinburg, these lenders have developed expertise in helping agricultural entrepreneurs navigate seasonal cash flow considerations while developing sustainable business models that connect Valley producers with national and international markets. As consumer demand for fresh, year-round produce continues growing, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps the Valley’s food economy adapt to changing market requirements while creating value-added opportunities for the region’s agricultural bounty.
Q: How do Rio Grande Valley SBA lenders help businesses in the healthcare and medical services sectors?
A: The Valley’s evolving healthcare landscape has created specialized lending expertise for medical businesses. Several Rio Grande Valley SBA lenders offer industry-specific loan packages designed for medical practices, specialized clinics, home health agencies, medical equipment providers, and healthcare technology companies. These lenders understand the unique regulatory considerations, billing cycles, and capital needs of healthcare businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some Valley lenders coordinate with organizations like the Valley Baptist Medical Center, Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen the Valley’s healthcare infrastructure by financing businesses that address the region’s distinctive health challenges and historically underserved population. From family medical practices in neighborhood settings to specialized clinics addressing the region’s high diabetes and obesity rates to bilingual healthcare service providers serving the Valley’s diverse communities, these lenders have developed expertise in financing healthcare ventures that improve access to care while creating sustainable business models. As the Valley continues developing its medical education and research capabilities, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps healthcare entrepreneurs establish and grow practices and services that improve the region’s health outcomes while creating professional employment opportunities for Valley residents.
Q: Can retail and hospitality businesses in the Rio Grande Valley access specialized SBA financing?
A: Yes, the Valley’s retail landscape benefits from specialized SBA lending expertise. Several Rio Grande Valley lenders offer tailored loan packages for retailers, restaurants, hotels, and service providers serving both local consumers and visitors from Mexico and beyond. These lenders understand the unique market dynamics of the Valley’s consumer economy and can structure loans that accommodate seasonal patterns and cross-border shopping influences. Some Valley SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, the Brownsville Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen the Valley’s retail and hospitality sectors by financing businesses that enhance the region’s commercial districts and visitor experiences. From distinctive restaurants in downtown McAllen to specialty retailers in Harlingen to hospitality businesses on South Padre Island, these lenders help finance diverse consumer businesses that cater to the Valley’s unique customer base, including local residents, Mexican shoppers, Winter Texans, and beach tourists. As retail continues evolving with e-commerce challenges, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps entrepreneurs create distinctive retail and hospitality concepts that offer compelling experiences that attract customers while generating significant employment opportunities in these labor-intensive sectors.
Q: How do Rio Grande Valley SBA lenders support Hispanic-owned businesses and Latino entrepreneurs?
A: The Valley’s predominantly Hispanic population has led to specialized lending approaches that recognize the needs of Latino business owners. Several Rio Grande Valley SBA lenders have developed programs specifically focused on expanding capital access for Hispanic entrepreneurs throughout the region. These lenders often coordinate with organizations like the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Centers at UTRGV and South Texas College, and Latino business networks to provide culturally responsive support. Some Valley lenders employ bilingual loan officers familiar with both the financial and cultural aspects of serving Latino business owners. These specialized lending programs align with the Valley’s demographic reality by providing Spanish-language materials, targeted outreach, and financing structures that address the specific challenges Hispanic entrepreneurs may face. From retail operations to professional services to manufacturing enterprises, these lenders help finance diverse business ventures that strengthen the Valley’s economy while creating wealth-building opportunities in the Hispanic community. As Latino entrepreneurship continues growing in importance to the regional economy, these lenders have developed distinctive expertise in helping Hispanic business owners access capital while navigating the path to business success.
Q: Are there specialized SBA loan programs for Rio Grande Valley’s manufacturing and industrial businesses?
A: Yes, the Valley’s evolving industrial presence has influenced local SBA lending practices. Several Rio Grande Valley SBA lenders have developed expertise in financing component manufacturers, assembly operations, industrial service providers, and specialized production facilities supporting the region’s growing manufacturing base. These lenders understand the unique equipment needs, facility requirements, and cross-border considerations of Valley manufacturing businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some Valley lenders coordinate with organizations like the Rio South Texas Manufacturing Association, the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative, and the regional economic development corporations to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen the Valley’s manufacturing economy by financing businesses that complement the maquiladora industry in northern Mexico while creating higher-value manufacturing operations on the U.S. side. From electronics manufacturers in McAllen to metal fabricators in Harlingen to specialized component producers throughout the region, these lenders help finance manufacturing ventures that leverage the Valley’s strategic location and bilingual workforce. As manufacturing continues evolving with automation and reshoring trends, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps Valley manufacturers invest in equipment, facilities, and workforce development while creating quality employment opportunities in this growing sector.
Q: How do Rio Grande Valley SBA lenders support businesses in renewable energy and sustainable development?
A: The Valley’s abundant natural resources have created specialized lending expertise for sustainability-focused businesses. Several Rio Grande Valley lenders offer industry-specific loan packages designed for solar installers, wind energy service providers, sustainable agriculture operations, and green building companies. These lenders understand the unique project economics, incentive structures, and growth trajectories of renewable energy businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some Valley SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the UTRGV Energy Institute, the Texas Sustainable Energy Research Institute, and regional utilities to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen the Valley’s position as an emerging center for renewable energy by financing businesses that leverage the region’s abundant sunshine, wind resources, and agricultural potential. From solar installation companies in Edinburg to wind energy maintenance providers in Cameron County to sustainable agriculture operations throughout the Valley, these lenders help finance enterprises that balance economic development with environmental stewardship. As climate concerns and energy independence continue driving demand for sustainable solutions, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps Valley entrepreneurs participate in the growing green economy while creating distinctive businesses that address both local and global sustainability challenges.
Q: How do Rio Grande Valley SBA lenders support businesses owned by women and young entrepreneurs?
A: The Valley’s entrepreneurial diversity has influenced local SBA lending practices. Several Rio Grande Valley SBA lenders have developed specialized programs focused on expanding capital access for women business owners and young entrepreneurs throughout the region. These lenders often coordinate with organizations like the Women’s Business Center Rio Grande Valley, UTRGV’s Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, and youth entrepreneurship programs to provide targeted support. Some Valley lenders offer mentoring connections, specialized workshops, and networking opportunities alongside their financing options. These specialized lending programs align with the Valley’s demographic trends by providing outreach and financing structures that address the specific challenges these entrepreneurs may face. From professional service firms to retail operations to technology ventures, these lenders help finance diverse business ventures led by women and young entrepreneurs who represent the Valley’s future economic leadership. 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 the Valley’s distinctive border community.
Q: How do Rio Grande Valley SBA lenders support businesses in the tourism and recreational sectors?
A: The Valley’s natural attractions have led to specialized lending approaches for tourism businesses. Several Rio Grande Valley SBA lenders have developed programs specifically focused on financing ecotourism operators, fishing and boating businesses, beach service providers, and hospitality companies throughout the region. These lenders understand the seasonal nature of Valley tourism and can structure loans with flexible payment schedules aligned with visitor patterns. Some Valley lenders coordinate with organizations like the South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Harlingen Convention Center, and the World Birding Center network to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs align with the Valley’s tourism development by providing capital solutions that help tourism entrepreneurs leverage the region’s distinctive natural assets – from South Padre Island beaches to the Rio Grande to world-class birding habitats. From fishing charter operations in Port Isabel to ecotourism businesses in the wildlife refuges to hospitality ventures on South Padre Island, these lenders help finance diverse tourism businesses that showcase the Valley’s natural beauty while creating distinctive visitor experiences. As the Valley continues developing its tourism identity beyond Winter Texans to include nature enthusiasts, beach vacationers, and international visitors, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps entrepreneurs create compelling tourism offerings that attract visitors while creating significant employment opportunities in communities that benefit from visitor spending.
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.