Austin-Round Rock Metro Business Grants and Incentive Programs

The Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States and a national center for technology, clean energy, semiconductor manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. The metro spans Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, and Caldwell counties and includes cities such as Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, San Marcos, Pflugerville, and Kyle. Businesses in the Austin metro may be eligible for a wide range of federal, state, and local programs.

Federal Programs

SBA Lending

Austin-area businesses access SBA programs through the San Antonio District Office. SBA 7(a) loans, 504 loans, and Microloans are available through approved lenders. Austin has a particularly strong CDFI network including PeopleFund and BCL of Texas. Learn about SBA 7(a) loans.

SBIR/STTR Research Grants

Austin's technology ecosystem creates strong SBIR/STTR opportunities from NSF, DoD, DOE, and NIH. The University of Texas at Austin's research portfolio supports STTR partnerships. Austin consistently ranks among the top cities nationally for SBIR awards. Learn about SBIR grants.

CHIPS Act and Semiconductor Programs

Austin's semiconductor industry, anchored by companies like Samsung, NXP, and Applied Materials, positions area businesses to participate in CHIPS Act supply chain programs and related federal manufacturing incentives.

State Programs

Texas Enterprise Fund

The TEF has supported major Austin-area projects including semiconductor fabrication facilities, corporate headquarters relocations, and technology campus expansions.

Skills Development Fund

Training grants are available through Austin Community College and other regional institutions. Programs cover semiconductor manufacturing, technology, healthcare, construction trades, and emerging industries. How to apply for Skills Development Fund.

CPRIT

Austin's biotech and life sciences companies may access Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas grants for cancer-related research and product development. CPRIT grants for biotech.

Local and Regional Resources

City of Austin Economic Development

Austin's Economic Development Department manages Chapter 380 agreements, fee waivers, and targeted industry programs. The city focuses incentives on businesses creating high-wage jobs and those in priority sectors including clean technology, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing.

Suburban and Surrounding City Programs

Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, and San Marcos each maintain active economic development programs. Many of these cities offer competitive incentive packages to attract businesses relocating within or into the metro area. Round Rock business grants.

Austin SBDC and SCORE

The South-West Texas Border SBDC network provides free consulting across the metro area. SCORE Austin offers mentoring from experienced business professionals. Both organizations help identify matching programs.

Key Industries

• Technology: Austin's tech sector accesses SBIR/STTR grants, R&D tax credits, workforce training, and venture capital ecosystem support.
• Semiconductor manufacturing: CHIPS Act programs, Skills Development Fund, property tax abatements, and sales tax exemptions on production equipment.
• Clean energy: REAP grants, ITC and PTC credits, TCEQ emissions programs, and Austin Energy utility programs.
• Creative industries: Texas Film Commission incentives, music industry programs, and City of Austin cultural arts funding.

Find Programs That May Fit Your Business

Austin-Round Rock metro businesses often qualify for multiple programs simultaneously. Our free screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs and shows you which ones may match. Start your free screening →