Every real link, contact, and application URL — in one place. Pull this up when Susan asks "have you looked into X?"
These cost under $400 combined and make you look like a real operator the moment you walk in the door.
Tarleton State's annual competition awards real cash prizes to compelling business plans — no repayment, no equity given up. As a Tarleton student in Erath County, you have a home-court advantage. Prize money counts directly toward your SBA equity contribution.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are government-chartered lenders that exist specifically to fund entrepreneurs banks won't touch. CDFI loans have below-market rates and can be structured to count as your equity contribution for the SBA 7(a) loan — solving your equity gap without needing a co-investor.
The SBA Microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders — not through banks. These are designed for startups with limited credit history. You can stack a Microloan with a regular SBA 7(a) loan, using the Microloan proceeds as part of your equity injection.
Angel investors provide equity capital in exchange for ownership. Two active networks in the DFW area invest in Texas startups. The warm intro route (via SBDC, Tarleton alumni, or local chamber) is far better than cold outreach — these groups see dozens of decks a week.
The City of Stephenville has an Economic Development Corporation (EDC) funded by sales tax. Their mandate is to attract and grow businesses that bring jobs and tax revenue. A bowling alley/entertainment venue that draws Tarleton foot traffic is exactly what they exist to support. Chapter 380 agreements allow the city to offer tax abatements, infrastructure contributions, or direct grants.
USDA Rural Development offers grants to nonprofits and municipalities that support small businesses in rural areas. Erath County qualifies as rural. You can't apply directly — but an SBDC, local nonprofit, or the city itself can apply on your behalf and channel funds to your project. This is a longer play but worth pursuing in parallel.