Small Business Assistance

The Lockhart Economic Development Corporation is ready and willing to assist businesses who are interested in locating or expanding in the Lockhart. The city’s experienced and professional staff is able to help businesses navigate the economic development process. We can work with your business and include both financial and non-financial assistance depending upon the needs of the business. The EDC works collaboratively with other departments in the City of Lockhart, with many economic development organizations, business organizations, and financial institutions.

Check out the Small Business Resource Guide for direct links to small business assistance programs and entities.

Some Ways We Help Small Businesses
The Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP)

The Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP) is a 501(c)6 regional economic development corporation serving Hays and Caldwell counties, focused on directing future growth and positioning the region for a wider diversity of quality jobs with higher wages. Our mission is to promote sustainable and comprehensive economic development in the greater San Marcos region by implementing a five-year economic development strategic plan.

Texas State Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Texas State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Helps small business owners facing challenges ranging from financing and inefficient operations to developing clear growth strategies. Access to trusted business advisors and a rich network of collaborative partners help unblock the barriers for entrepreneurs to achieve growth and success.

  • (512) 716-4800

  • sbdc@txstate.edu

Austin SCORE Certified Mentors

Austin SCORE has Certified Mentors including experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and executives with a diverse set of industries and specialties, volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business owners and entrepreneurs achieve success.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is one of the most comprehensive resources for providing assistance to small businesses; provides a range of informational and financial products to small businesses, including the 504 and the 7a loan program.

The SBA also provides information on writing business plans and provides business plan formats.

The State of Texas Incentives

The State of Texas offers a range of economic development incentives and financing options for companies looking to relocate to the State, such as providing information about business filings, the availability of business names, assumed name certificates, and the state publishes the Texas Business Organization Code. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts provides information on a range of state and local taxes, sales tax permits, accessing the Centralized Master Bidders List, providing information on the Texas economy, providing information about registering as a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB), and a host of other tax and business related information.

USDA Rural Development

There may even be help available from the federal government through programs offered by USDA Rural Development which forges partnerships with rural communities, funding projects that bring housing, community facilities, business guarantees, utilities and other services to rural America. The USDA provides technical assistance to businesses and cooperatives located in rural communities and establishes strategic alliances and partnerships that leverage public, private, and cooperative resources to create jobs and stimulate rural economic activity by promoting business development.

Retail

Small business creates the most jobs in America. The City of Lockhart Development Department is committed to helping new and existing retail businesses locate, relocate or expand in Lockhart through several available methods:

  • Workforce Development

  • Infrastructure Development Location/Relocation Assistance

  • Business Development

  • Working relationships with the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) and the Lockhart Industrial Foundation (LIF)

  • Working relationships with commercial real estate agents.

  • Abundant and Available Land

  • Statistics on Lockhart and Caldwell County

  • Up to Date Leakage Reports

  • Marketing/promotion of Lockhart, Texas

Specialty Retail

With a burgeoning and bustling Central Business District, the City of Lockhart offers a large array of independent shops and retailers. Lockhart is quite unique when it comes to specialty retail, having a vast amount of antique stores, several businesses dedicated to western apparel, women's clothing stores, food creation, and much more. The Economic Development Department will also assist in helping you relocate your business to our exciting Business District by providing assistance with:

  • Revolving Loan Program                     

  • State and Federal Programs                 

  • State and Federal Grants                     

  • Marketing/Advertising Assistance

  • Business Plan Creation and Evaluation

  • Market Analysis

  • Consulting Services