Lake Houston - Humble - Kingwood Edition | April 2026

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Why it matters

What they’re saying

How to prepare

In addition to the SBA’s three business centers, Labbe said the organization oers several dierent types of loans to businesses to cover a variety of costs. Labbe said SBA loans range from small to large and can be used for most business purposes, including long-term xed assets and operational costs. However, he said some loan programs set restrictions on how funds can be used.

Brown noted members of her realty team strive to prepare potential business owners for the reality of opening their stores before they nalize their lease agreements. “You really want to strategize to make sure your operating costs and your projected revenue makes sense for that location,” Brown said. “If rent makes up more than 10% of your income, you’re going to end up really biting the margins there.” During a Feb. 17 presentation to Partner- ship Lake Houston, Winston Labbe, deputy district director for the U.S. Small Business Administration, said the Houston area is home to three Small Business Development Centers, which provide free counseling and training to small business owners. “They help small businesses with whatever they need from A to Z—permitting, licensing, certication,” Labbe said. “They can help with that free of charge.”

“What’s happening globally, in our country, the state, and our region—all

those elements a ect the local folks walking in the door of a local business.” RAY HERNANDEZ, PARTNERSHIP LAKE HOUSTON PRESIDENT AND CEO

Types of business loans

7(a) loans: SBA’s primary program for providing long-term nancing for a variety of purposes. Loans can total as high as $5 million. 504 loans: A loan that can be used for a range of assets that promote business growth and job creation. Loans can total as high as $5.5 million. Microloans: Loans of $50,000 or less to help businesses and some nonprot child care centers. Microloans are provided by intermediary lenders.

“Small businesses can de nitely thrive in this area. The pathway for success ... is just making sure that they get themselves set up from the jump.”

ASHLEY BROWN, REALTOR, RED DOOR REALTY & ASSOCIATES AND THE POLOMPSKY TEAM

SOURCE: U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

HOUSTON’S HEALTHCARE SAFETY NET FOR 60 YEARS.

LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION