City of Dallas Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP)
City of Dallas Office of Economic Development
Up to $400,000
Dallas grants for small business capital improvements
City of Dallas grants of up to $400,000 covering 15–25% of capital improvement project costs for small businesses (20 or fewer employees) that are locating, expanding, or making significant improvements in Dallas. Projects in designated Target Areas have lower minimum investment thresholds ($150,000) and higher grant caps. Businesses must secure 75% of project costs from non-City sources. Grant term is five years. Approved by Dallas City Council in January 2025.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Municipal
- Amount range
- $400,000
- Realistic amount
- Grant amount is 15–25% of project costs, so a $600,000 renovation in a Target Area could yield $90,000–$150,000. Most ap…
- Deadline
- Rolling — no fixed application window. Applications reviewed as submitted. Project must not have begun before application is approved.
- Status
- active
- States
- TX
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Business must have 20 or fewer employees across all locations at the time of application
- For Target Area projects: minimum capital investment of $150,000 (property acquisition cost is excluded from the minimum)
- For non-Target Area projects: minimum capital investment of $250,000
- Maximum total project cost: $2,000,000
- Applicant must demonstrate 75% of project costs are committed from non-City sources (bank commitment letters, personal funds, or other documented financing)
- Project must be for real estate or capital improvements in the City of Dallas (not new construction on vacant land unless business is locating to Dallas)
- For higher grant tiers with job creation: Target Areas require 5 jobs created OR 10 jobs retained; Non-Target Areas require 10 jobs created OR 15 jobs retained
- Project must not have begun before the grant application is approved
Hard requirements
- Max 20 employees
- Location restriction: City of Dallas — must be locating, expanding, or improving property within Dallas city limits
- Minimum project size: $150,000
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Real estate improvements and interior buildout costs
- Exterior renovations and facade improvements
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system improvements
- ADA accessibility improvements
- Capital equipment that is permanently affixed to the property
- Architect and engineering fees (as part of the capital project)
Ineligible expenses
- Property acquisition or purchase price (excluded from minimum investment calculation)
- Inventory, supplies, or movable equipment
- Working capital or operating expenses
- Projects that have already begun before grant approval
- Projects with total costs above $2,000,000
How to apply
-
1
Determine if your project location is in a Dallas Target Area
Contact the Dallas Office of Economic Development at dallasecodev.org to get the current Target Area map. Target Area designation significantly increases the grant cap and lowers the minimum investment threshold. The City's economic development staff can confirm eligibility and walk through program details.
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2
Secure 75% of project financing from non-City sources
Obtain bank commitment letters, document personal equity, or secure other financing commitments covering at least 75% of total project costs. This documentation is required with the application. SBA 504 loans or conventional commercial real estate loans are common co-financing sources.
-
3
Complete and submit the SBAP application
Download the application from dallasecodev.org/693 in English or Spanish. Prepare a construction budget worksheet (required attachment). Include financing commitment documentation, project description, and anticipated job creation/retention numbers. Submit to the City Office of Economic Development.
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4
Undergo City review and Council approval
Applications are reviewed by City economic development staff. Grants above certain thresholds may require Dallas City Council approval. Review and approval can take 60–120 days. Do NOT begin construction before receiving a signed grant agreement.
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5
Execute grant agreement and begin project; comply with 5-year term
After approval, sign the grant agreement. The 5-year term requires the business to remain operational in Dallas and meet job creation/retention commitments. City may inspect the property and verify employment records during the term.
This program launched in January 2025 — it's new with limited case history. The 75% co-financing requirement means you need bank financing locked before applying. City Council approval adds timeline uncertainty for larger grants.
Deadline & timing
SBAP is a rolling program with no fixed cycle. Applications can be submitted at any time the program is active. The 5-year term begins from the date of the grant agreement. Applications available in English and Spanish.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.