Bexar County, centered on San Antonio, is the fourth most populous county in Texas and a major hub for military, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing businesses. The county offers a unique combination of local, state, and federal programs driven in part by its large military presence and strong economic development infrastructure.
This guide covers the key grant programs, tax incentives, and business resources available to Bexar County businesses based on published program criteria.
City of San Antonio Programs
San Antonio Economic Development Department
The City of San Antonio's Economic Development Department is one of the most active in Texas. Key programs include:
- Chapter 380 Economic Development Agreements: San Antonio regularly uses Chapter 380 agreements to attract and retain businesses. These agreements may include property tax rebates, fee waivers, and direct grants tied to job creation and capital investment benchmarks. Learn about Chapter 380 agreements.
- Small Business Loan Programs: The city administers low-interest loan programs for small businesses, often funded through CDBG allocations and revolving loan funds.
- SBEDA Certification: San Antonio's Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) program provides procurement preferences for small, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses on city contracts.
For more on San Antonio programs, see our San Antonio business grants guide.
CPS Energy Rebates
CPS Energy, San Antonio's city-owned electric utility, offers commercial and industrial energy efficiency rebate programs. Businesses investing in lighting upgrades, HVAC improvements, building envelope enhancements, and other energy efficiency measures may receive rebates that reduce project costs. CPS Energy also offers demand response programs for larger commercial customers.
Bexar County Programs
Bexar County Economic Development
Bexar County's economic development efforts focus on infrastructure, workforce development, and business-friendly policies. The county can offer property tax abatements for qualifying businesses making significant capital investments, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, and technology sectors.
Alamo Area Council of Governments
The Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) serves Bexar County and the surrounding region. AACOG coordinates regional economic development, workforce programs, and planning initiatives. Through AACOG, businesses can access regional workforce development grants, economic development planning support, and cooperative purchasing programs.
Military-Connected Opportunities
Bexar County has one of the largest military footprints in the country, with Joint Base San Antonio encompassing Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, and Randolph Air Force Base. This military presence creates significant business opportunities:
- DOD Small Business Programs: Businesses near military installations can pursue Department of Defense contracts through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, small business set-asides, and subcontracting opportunities with prime defense contractors.
- Veteran-Owned Business Preferences: Federal and state procurement preferences for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses are particularly relevant in a military-heavy region. Guide to disabled veteran business grants.
- Military Spouse Employment Programs: Workforce programs targeting military spouse employment can benefit businesses looking to hire from this talent pool.
State Programs for Bexar County Businesses
- Texas Enterprise Fund: State deal-closing grants for businesses creating jobs. Enterprise Fund guide.
- Skills Development Fund: Workforce training grants through partnerships with Alamo Colleges District. Skills Development Fund guide.
- Texas HUB Certification: Free state procurement preferences for qualifying businesses. HUB program guide.
- Texas Capital Fund: Infrastructure grants for communities supporting business expansion, available through the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Federal Programs for Bexar County Businesses
- SBA San Antonio District Office: Access to SBA 7(a), 504, and microloan programs plus free SBDC and SCORE counseling. SBA 7(a) guide.
- SBIR/STTR: Innovation grants across all federal agencies, with DOD SBIR being particularly relevant given the military presence.
- Opportunity Zones: Bexar County has multiple designated Opportunity Zones where investors can receive capital gains tax benefits for investing in qualifying businesses and real estate.
- USDA Programs: Outlying areas of Bexar County may be eligible for USDA rural business programs. USDA rural business grants guide.
Key Industries in Bexar County
Healthcare and Biosciences
San Antonio's healthcare sector includes major hospital systems, military medical facilities, and a growing biosciences cluster. Healthcare businesses can access NIH SBIR/STTR funding, state workforce training grants for healthcare workers, and local incentives for healthcare facility development.
Cybersecurity and IT
San Antonio is a national leader in cybersecurity, driven in part by the NSA Texas Cryptologic Center and the 24th Air Force (now 16th Air Force) at Joint Base San Antonio. Cybersecurity businesses can access DOD SBIR/STTR funding, federal contracting preferences, and state workforce training programs.
Tourism and Hospitality
The Alamo, the River Walk, and a strong convention industry make tourism a significant sector in Bexar County. Hospitality businesses may access workforce training grants, CPS Energy rebates for facility improvements, and city-level incentive programs.
How to Get Started
- Contact San Antonio EDD: Explore city incentives and SBEDA certification for procurement preferences.
- Apply for Texas HUB: Free state procurement certification through the Comptroller.
- Explore CPS Energy rebates: Check commercial energy efficiency programs.
- Visit your local SBDC: UTSA's SBDC provides free counseling and program identification.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Bexar County businesses can layer city, county, state, and federal programs. Most business owners miss programs because they do not know where to look or how to identify which programs they may be eligible for.
Not sure which programs may fit your business? Our free screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs — grants, tax credits, loans, and incentives — and shows you which ones may match. Start your free screening →