Starting or growing a business in San Antonio? Two kinds of help are free for the taking: expert one-on-one business advising that costs you nothing, and SBA-backed loans through local lenders with the federal government guaranteeing part of the loan. This 2027 guide covers both — who qualifies and the exact first step. (One note: the Texas Capital Fund is a regional program for surrounding rural cities — San Antonio itself isn’t eligible, so it’s not listed here.)
Nothing on this page has year-specific amounts that change annually; figures below are current published program terms.
| SBA 7(a) Loan Program | Long-term financing up to $5M per loan, with the SBA guaranteeing part of the loan so approved lenders can say yes more often. You apply through an SBA-approved lender (use SBA Lender Match), not the SBA directly. Note: since March 2026, SBA-backed loans are reserved for U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals. | 1-800-827-5722 | Apply |
| UTSA Small Business Development Center | FREE confidential one-on-one business advising plus no-cost/low-cost workshops — business plans, funding, financial analysis, marketing, government contracting. Appointments strongly encouraged. New location since June 16, 2026: One Riverwalk Place, 700 N. St. Mary’s St., Floor 5, San Antonio, TX 78205. | (210) 458-2460 | Apply |
At a glance
- Funding: SBA 7(a) loans up to $5M via approved lenders — 1-800-827-5722 (sba.gov Lender Match).
- Free expert help: UTSA SBDC one-on-one advising + workshops — (210) 458-2460.
- First step: Book a free SBDC advising session before you borrow — they’ll pressure-test your plan.
Not sure where to start?
Answer a few questions in our free Apply for Me program and we’ll point you to the right starting point — free advising, loan readiness, and the household benefits that stabilize you while you build.
