Arlington is the seventh-largest city in Texas and sits at the geographic center of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Known for AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and Six Flags, Arlington also has a diverse economy spanning manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, and technology. The University of Texas at Arlington adds a research university anchor to the city's economic development mix.
Arlington Economic Development Programs
Arlington Economic Development
The City of Arlington's Economic Development team offers Chapter 380 agreements for qualifying businesses. These performance-based agreements may include property tax abatements, sales tax rebates, permit fee waivers, and infrastructure support. Arlington targets manufacturing, technology, aerospace and defense, and corporate office projects.
Entertainment District Development
Arlington's Entertainment District, centered around AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, is supported by Tax Increment Financing that funds infrastructure improvements. Hospitality, retail, and entertainment businesses in this area benefit from significant public infrastructure investment and high visitor traffic.
Downtown Arlington
The City of Arlington has invested in downtown revitalization near UT Arlington. Small businesses in the downtown area may access facade improvement programs, permit fee reductions, and TIF-funded infrastructure improvements that reduce development costs.
Tarrant County Resources
Arlington businesses benefit from Tarrant County resources including Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, which offers employer hiring incentives, on-the-job training subsidies, and skills training programs. Tarrant County also has property tax abatement guidelines for qualifying commercial and industrial projects.
Key Industries in Arlington
Aerospace and Defense
Arlington has a significant aerospace and defense presence, with companies serving nearby military installations. Defense contractors can access SBIR/STTR grants, HUBZone certification for federal contracting preferences, and DoD mentorship programs for small businesses.
Manufacturing
Arlington's manufacturing sector benefits from central DFW location and highway access. Manufacturers can access the sales tax exemption on production equipment, Freeport property tax exemption, Skills Development Fund training grants, and city property tax abatements.
Healthcare and Education
Texas Health Resources and UT Arlington drive the healthcare and education economy. Healthcare businesses can access workforce training grants, HRSA programs, and SBA lending. UT Arlington partnerships can support SBIR/STTR grant applications for research-oriented businesses.
State Programs for Arlington Businesses
- Texas Enterprise Fund: Deal-closing grants for major job creation and capital investment projects.
- Skills Development Fund: Workforce training grants through local community colleges and technical institutions.
- Texas HUB Certification: State procurement preferences for historically underutilized businesses. Learn about HUB certification.
- Texas Enterprise Zone Program: State sales tax refunds for businesses creating jobs in designated areas.
Federal Programs
- SBA Loans: 7(a), 504, and microloan programs available through SBA-approved lenders in the region. Learn about SBA 7(a) loans.
- SBIR/STTR: R&D grants for businesses conducting research with commercial potential.
- WOTC: Tax credits of $2,400 to $9,600 per qualifying hire from target groups. Learn about WOTC.
- HUBZone: Federal contracting preferences for businesses in qualifying census tracts.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Arlington businesses are often eligible for multiple programs at the local, state, and federal levels simultaneously. Our free screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs and shows you which ones may match. Start your free screening →