College Station is home to Texas A&M University, one of the largest research universities in the United States. The university anchors an economy built on technology transfer, research commercialization, biotech, agriculture innovation, and the services supporting a student population of over 70,000. The Bryan-College Station metropolitan area combines university resources with a growing commercial base.
College Station Economic Development
City of College Station Economic Development
College Station's economic development team works with businesses on attraction and expansion projects. The city offers Chapter 380 agreements that may include property tax abatements, sales tax sharing, and infrastructure support for qualifying projects. College Station targets technology, biotech, and businesses commercializing university research.
Texas A&M University Resources
Texas A&M provides extensive resources for business development:
- Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station:Partnership opportunities for research and development projects.
- McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship: Startup support, mentorship, and connections to Aggie Angel Network.
- Texas A&M Technology Commercialization: Licensing university technology for commercial applications.
- TAMU SBDC: Free business counseling and training through the Small Business Development Center.
Brazos County Resources
Brazos County supports business development through Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley, which provides employer hiring incentives, training programs, and recruitment assistance. The Brazos Valley Council of Governments coordinates regional planning and federal program administration.
Key Industries in College Station
Technology and Research Commercialization
Texas A&M's research enterprise generates commercialization opportunities. Tech businesses can access SBIR/STTR grants, R&D tax credits, CPRIT grants for cancer-related research, and university partnership programs for collaborative research.
Agriculture Technology
The Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Service supports agricultural innovation. Ag-tech businesses can access USDA SBIR grants, REAP grants for rural energy projects, and USDA Value-Added Producer Grants for agricultural product development.
Biotech and Life Sciences
College Station's biotech cluster benefits from Texas A&M Health Science Center. Life sciences businesses can access CPRIT grants, NIH SBIR/STTR funding, and workforce training grants for specialized technician development.
State Programs for College Station 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
College Station 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 →