Small Business Grants and Loans for Felons in Texas

Grants can help you stand on your feet and build a better future. Small Business Grants and Loans for Felons in Texas are issued by state and federal government programs, charities, companies, and non-governmental organizations. Felons can get money for college or trade school fees, funds to start a business, help paying rent and buying food, and free phone and Internet service.

Small Business Grants for Felons in Texas 2024

A small business grant can give you cash to get your business up and running. Unlike small business loans, small business grants don’t have to be paid back, but competition for these grants can be fierce, so you’ll need to make a strong application.

TRANSFORM Business Grant

Individuals from systemically oppressed groups in Texas can apply for a TRANSFORM Business Grant.

Eligible applicants include those individuals or teams who:

• LGBTQ
• BIPOC
• Disabled
• Formerly incarcerated

The business idea must also align with TRANSFORM’s values ​​against capitalism and racism.

Grant awards include a $1,000 financial contribution and a customized 12-month mentorship program.

Learn more about TRANSFORM: https://www.transformgrant.org/the-grant/

NASE Growth Grant

This grant provides up to $4,000 in funding. You must be a member of the National Association for the Self-Employed to apply for a grant. Membership of NASE gives you access to expert advice and some valuable discounts. Annual members are eligible to apply for grants immediately, monthly members must wait 90 days. (Annual Membership – $120. Monthly Membership – $11.95) Applicants must provide a business plan and a description of how the grant will be used in their business.

Learn more about NASE grants: https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/business-resources/growth-grants

Bizee Fresh Start Business Grant

Bizee Business Grants provide $2,500 for start-up costs. Winners also receive a free $395 business formation package. You must be 21 years of age or older and a US resident.

Submit your application online, create a 2-minute video about the impact running a small business has had on your life, and submit a sample business plan.

Learn more about Bizee grants: https://bizee.com/entrepreneur-grant

FedEx Small Business Grants

FedEx awards a $50,000 grant to 1 grand prize winner and a $20,000 grant to 9 runner-up business owners. Competition for these grants is fierce as thousands of promising entrepreneurs apply each year.

To apply you will need:

• Open a FedEx business account
• Have a business with a shipping need
• Have been operating your business for at least 6 months.
• Have at least 1 employee

Learn more about the FedEx grant: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/grants.html

Texas Small Business Grants

Assistance for offenders in Texas may be available through the Texas Small Business Development Center network. The Texas SBDC is a free service that provides expert assistance in starting your business.

As a first step, meet with an advisor to find out what resources are available and find out about grants you can apply for.

Get help from the SBDC: https://www.sbdctexas.org/

Inmates To Entrepreneurs

The Inmates to Entrepreneurs program does not provide grants, instead, they offer a valuable 8-week training program to help you learn how to start and run a small business. The online course is free for anyone who is incarcerated.

Learn more about Inmates to Entrepreneurs: https://inmatestoentrepreneurs.org/programs/eight-week-course/

School Grants For Convicted Felons in Texas

Central school grants are issued through the Pell Grant Program. Pell Grants may be used to pay for college or trade school. The maximum you can receive in any given year is $7,395. The minimum Pell Grant award is $740. School expenses not covered by a Pell Grant can be paid with scholarships or student loans.

Who is eligible for a Pell Grant?

Pell Grants are means-tested. This means they are based on your income and the cost of going to school. To get a Pell Grant you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

You can get started on your application here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Scholarships

Scholarships are another way criminals can get free money for training and education. Create a free account on Scholarships360 to be matched with scholarships you can apply for.

You can get education grants for felons at: https://scholarships360.org/

Grants For Rent

Felons are eligible to apply for a housing assistance grant that contributes to their rent each month. Eligibility for Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing programs is based on income and household size. Submit your application for housing assistance to the public housing authority that operates in your area. Waiting lists are common.

Find your PHA and waitlist details here: https://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-waiting-lists/texas

Grants For Food

If you are a low-income felon, you are eligible for SNAP. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program gives you a set amount of money to spend on food each month.

The maximum monthly payment is $291 for a single-person household in 2024.

Learn more about SNAP in Texas and apply here: https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home

Phone and Internet Grant

Low-income people in Texas are eligible for free phone and internet through the Lifeline program. The income threshold for a 1 person household is $29,160. The income limit for a family of 4 is $60,000.

Learn more about Lifeline: https://www.truconnect.com/states/texas

Other Sources Of Grant money for released prisoners in Texas

A variety of organizations including the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities can help with grants for rent arrears, moving deposits, and utility bills.

Call the toll-free 2-1-1 helpline or visit https://www.211texas.org/ to find out how local organizations can help.