Grants for Manufacturing Businesses in Texas (2026)
Texas has the second-largest manufacturing base in the U.S., spanning semiconductors (Samsung Taylor, TI in Dallas, Micron planning), energy equipment (Houston and the Permian Basin), defense (Fort Worth, San Antonio), and consumer goods. For bootstrapped Texas manufacturers, non-dilutive capital flows through federal programs — DOD ManTech, DOE Advanced Manufacturing Office SBIR/STTR, NSF and NIST manufacturing programs — plus state-level support through the Texas Manufacturing Extension Partnership (TMEP, hosted by UT Arlington) and the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund. The Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism routes several programs through partner economic development corporations. CHIPS Act pass-through funding has created substantial new pathways for Texas semiconductor and supply chain manufacturers. Capital Factory's defense and dual-use programs support manufacturers serving Army Futures Command. The Texas Workforce Commission's Skills Development Fund covers manufacturing training. Bootstrap Directory aggregates Texas manufacturing grants, MEP programs, and supply chain initiatives across federal, state, and regional sources for efficient prioritization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TMEP?
The Texas Manufacturing Extension Partnership (hosted by UT Arlington) is part of the NIST MEP national network. TMEP provides consulting, technical assistance, and connection to grant programs for Texas manufacturers. While TMEP itself is not a grant-maker, it routes founders to federal and state grant opportunities with application support.
How has CHIPS Act funding reached Texas manufacturers?
CHIPS Act funding flows to Texas through direct awards to semiconductor fabricators (Samsung, TI), the CHIPS R&D program, workforce development grants, and supply chain support. Small manufacturers serving the semiconductor supply chain can access pass-through workforce, supplier qualification, and advanced manufacturing grants through state and regional partners.
When are Texas manufacturing grants open?
DOD ManTech, DOE AMO, NSF, and NIST programs run on agency-specific cycles. Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund programs align with legislative appropriations. TMEP consultations are ongoing. Bootstrap Directory tracks current Texas manufacturing openings.