About this programme
The Harris County Opportunity Fund is a revolving loan fund approved by the Harris County Commissioners Court in May 2024, run by the county's Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity and administered by PeopleFund, a nonprofit lender. It is set up as a 5-year pilot program.
The fund offers small business loans, from $5,000 up to $250,000, with a 2-percentage-point interest rate reduction for eligible borrowers and no closing fees beyond any charged by third parties. Larger amounts may be available to businesses through PeopleFund's other lending programs.
How it works
Loans range from $5,000 to $250,000. Eligible borrowers get a 2-percentage-point reduction on the interest rate, and the fund does not charge closing fees, except for any fees mandated by third parties.
All applicants get free technical assistance from PeopleFund alongside the loan itself.
Loan proceeds cannot be used to pay off existing tax liability or for residential construction.
Who can apply
The business must be located in Harris County.
The business must be in good standing with local, state, and federal authorities, with no outstanding tax obligations, and must not be in bankruptcy.
The business must meet PeopleFund's standard underwriting criteria.
Certain industries are excluded: gambling, businesses that operate purely online, real estate investment, lending firms, multi-level marketing, and other prohibited categories listed by the program.
How to apply
- Apply directly through PeopleFund's Harris County Opportunity Fund application portal (materials are available in English and Spanish).
- Gather and submit required documentation: a state-issued ID; income verification such as paystubs or benefits letters; 3 months of personal bank statements; 3 years of personal and business tax returns (2 years for loans under $50,000); 3 years of financial statements (2 years for loans under $50,000); a Tax ID/EIN; business registration documents; and a resume or executive summary.
- Be prepared to provide additional documentation if PeopleFund requests it during underwriting.
Documents you’ll typically need
- State-issued ID
- Income verification (paystubs, benefits letters)
- 3 months of personal bank statements
- 3 years of personal and business tax returns (2 years for loans under $50,000)
- 3 years of financial statements (2 years for loans under $50,000)
- Tax ID/EIN
- Business registration documents
- Resume or Executive Summary
Frequently asked
How much can I borrow?
Loans range from $5,000 to $250,000, with larger amounts potentially available through PeopleFund's other special programs.
Do I get a better interest rate through this fund?
Yes, eligible borrowers get a 2-percentage-point reduction on the interest rate, and the fund charges no closing fees beyond any required by third parties.
What documents do smaller loans require?
For loans under $50,000, PeopleFund asks for 2 years of tax returns and financial statements instead of 3, though the other required documents still apply.
Is this a permanent program?
It is structured as a 5-year pilot program, approved by the Harris County Commissioners Court in May 2024.
Can I use the loan to pay off taxes I owe?
No, funds cannot be used to repay tax liability or for residential construction.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.