Lending-Capital-Funding Solutions

You bring the dream. We bring the support. BiGAUSTIN is your ally from idea to launch and beyond.

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SERVING ENTREPRENEURS’ FINANCIAL NEEDS SINCE 1995

At BiGAUSTIN, we believe local entrepreneurs deserve a fair shot. If you’re growing a business in Texas and need funding for the next step - inventory, equipment, working capital, or a build-out we’re here to help with flexible financing and a supportive process.

Why Us

A lender built for the community

  • CDFI-certified community lender

  • Accessible Financing and Flexible Terms to meet you where you are.

  • No prepayment penalty

  • Coaching + resources support that goes beyond capital: mentorship, education, and expert guidance available as you grow

Choose the path that fits your business today

  • Up to $15,000 to help you get stable and moving forward.

    Great for:

    • Inventory and supplies

    • Equipment

    • Working capital and operating expenses

    • Leasehold improvements

    You’ll typically need:

    • A simple business plan

    • Proof of sales/activity (at least 3 months)

    Apply for New Start

  • Up to $50,000 to help you manage growth, overcome challenges, or seize new opportunities.

    Great for:

    • Inventory and supplies

    • Equipment

    • Working capital and operating expenses

    • Leasehold improvements

    You’ll typically need:

    • At least one filed tax return

    • Basic financial documentation

    Apply for Existing Business

Funding Highlights

  • Collateral & guarantee: Most loans require a personal guarantee, and collateral may be required depending on the loan amount and overall application strength (often secured by business assets and documented with a UCC filing).

  • Terms: Flexible repayment terms with a 1–6 year payback period.

  • Costs: Borrowers pay minimal direct loan processing costs.

  • New Start Business Launch Fund: Start-up businesses (minimum 3 months in operation): loans up to $15,000.

  • Existing Business Growth Fund: Existing businesses (minimum 1 year in operation): loans up to $50,000.

Schedule An Appointment
Start Your Application
  • Two people using electronic devices at a small round table, with a laptop, smartphone, notebook, and coffee cup on the table, and a potted plant in the center.

    TERMS SNAPSHOT

    Simple, predictable financing

    Fixed rate: 10%

    Loan terms: 12 months to 5 years

    Early payoff: no penalty

    Timeline: many decisions in about 2–4 weeks (once documents are complete)

  • Wall decorated with large rustic metal gears and a vintage light bulb with exposed filament emitting warm light.

    HOW IT WORKS

    A supportive process—step by step

    Pre-Qualify
    Answer a few questions so we can recommend the right next step.

    Submit your documents
    We’ll send a checklist and help you stay organized.

    Review + underwriting
    We look at your full story—not just a score—and we’ll reach out if we need clarifications.

    Closing + funding
    If approved, we’ll walk you through closing and get funds to you.

    [Start Pre-Qualification]‍  ‍

    [Schedule a Loan Consult]

  • A person with black painted nails is removing a yellow sticky note from a wall with nine other yellow sticky notes arranged in a 3x3 grid. The wall is gray and the sticky notes are blank.

    WHAT YOU’LL NEED (CHECKLIST)

    Don’t worry—we’ll guide you through it

    Most applicants will be asked for:

    Government-issued ID

    Business plan (simple is okay)

    Bank statements

    Proof of revenue / sales activity

    Tax returns (for established businesses)

    Tip: If you’re missing something, still start. We can often help you identify what to gather first.

  • Silhouettes of children jumping and playing on a hill at sunset.

    WHO WE SERVE

    We serve entrepreneurs across Texas, with a primary focus on Central Texas counties.
    To qualify, businesses typically are:

    21 years or older

    Written business plan

    U.S. citizen, legal resident, or U.S.-based foreign-owned business

    Current on federal, state, county, and local taxes

    No active bankruptcy

    For-profit

    At least 51% owned by the applicant

    Operating in Texas

    (Collateral may be required depending on the loan and borrower profile.)

  • Map of central Texas highlighting counties served by BiGAUSTIN. The counties are Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Gillespie, Hays, Lampasas, Lee, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Milam, San Saba, Travis, Williamson.

    WHERE WE SERVE

    As a CDFI, BiGAUSTIN serves clients across the entire state of Texas.

    These counties represent our primary focus area for outreach, program delivery, and direct client support.

    Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Gillespie, Hays, Lampasas, Lee, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Milam, San Saba, Williamson, Travis

  • Three young adults sitting at a meeting table in a bright office, laughing and having a conversation, with plants and large windows in the background.

    WHAT WE LOOK FOR

    Capacity: The businesses ability to repay projected debt service.

    Credit: The borrower’s willingness and ability to pay.

    Character: False or unrealistic statements on applications and outstanding legal issues will count against an applicant’s character. Good character is shown by references, a clean workplace, and business experience.

    Collateral: Individual or business assets that can be used to secure the requested loan.

    Final collateral requirements are determined during underwriting and may vary by applicant and loan product.

  • A hand reaching up towards a floating light bulb against a cloudy sky background.

    THE PROCESS

    Pre-Qual (3–5 minutes)

    Upload docs

    Underwriting (2–4 weeks)

    Closing + funding

  • A man and woman in business attire shaking hands while sitting on a couch in an office or hotel lobby.

    PRE-QUALIFICATION

    The short application allows us to run a credit report, get an approximate view of the current financial situation, and go over a few eligibility questions.

    In short, the pre-qualification application allows us to insure that there are no "show-stoppers" before you spend your valuable time on the complete application.

    Fill out the Pre-Qualification form below to get started on a path to success.

General Lending FAQs

  • We provide loans to support new startups, existing businesses, and entrepreneurs looking to grow. Loan uses may include startup capital, working capital, equipment financing, and business expansion.

  • We serve low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs, minority- and women-owned businesses, and other under-resourced communities. You must be at least 21 years old and own (or plan to start) a business in Texas.

  • Both startups and established businesses can apply. We welcome entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

  • Loan amounts generally range from $500 up to $50,000, depending on your business needs, qualifications, and the specific loan program.

  • Funds may be used for startup costs, equipment, inventory, working capital, marketing, or expansion. We’ll work with you to confirm the use of funds aligns with your business goals and the loan program guidelines.

  • Possibly. Most BiGAUSTIN loans require a personal guarantee, and collateral may be required depending on the loan amount and overall application strength. Collateral is often a security interest in business assets (such as equipment, inventory, or receivables) and may be documented through a UCC filing.
    Final approval and collateral requirements are determined during underwriting and may vary by applicant and loan product.

  • Yes. Certain industries are restricted (for example, gambling, adult entertainment, and speculative real estate). We can provide the full list during the application process.

Application & Process

  • Start by completing our online loan inquiry form or contacting our lending team. We’ll guide you through the steps and connect you with a loan officer.

  • Common documents include a government-issued ID, business plan, financial statements or projections, tax returns, and proof of income. Startups may submit projected financials.

  • Most applications are reviewed within 2–4 weeks, depending on how quickly documents are submitted and the complexity of the request.

  • Yes. A business plan helps us understand your vision, financials, and growth strategy. If you need support, BiGAUSTIN offers training and technical assistance to help you prepare.

  • Yes. We understand many entrepreneurs are just getting started. While credit and collateral are considered, we also place strong emphasis on your business plan, readiness, and ability to repay.

Loan Terms & Payments

  • BiGAUSTIN loans typically have a fixed 10% interest rate. Repayment terms vary by program and loan amount, generally ranging from 12 months up to 5 years.

  • Payments are based on the loan amount, interest rate, and term. Your loan officer will review the full payment schedule with you before you accept funding.

  • No. You may pay off your loan early without penalty.

  • Payments can typically be made online via ACH, automatic bank draft, or by mail. We’ll help set up the method that works best for you.

Support & Technical Assistance

  • Yes. Our team can support you with your business plan, financials, and completing your loan application.

  • Yes. BiGAUSTIN provides training, workshops, and one-on-one business counseling to help you succeed long after the loan closes.

  • Yes. We offer classes, mentorship, and consulting tailored to entrepreneurs at all stages.

Special Considerations

  • Yes. BiGAUSTIN focuses on supporting underserved entrepreneurs, including veterans, women, and minority business owners.

  • No. We primarily serve Central Texas, and many programs are available across the state of Texas.

  • In most cases, our loans are designed for for-profit businesses. Nonprofits are encouraged to reach out about training, partnerships, and other resources.

After Funding

  • If you experience financial difficulty, contact us right away. We may be able to discuss options such as payment arrangements and connect you to counseling resources.

  • Yes. Many clients return for additional funding as their businesses grow.

  • We report to credit bureaus, so making on-time payments may help build or strengthen your credit history.