Dallas County is the second most populous county in Texas, home to the City of Dallas and a range of suburban cities including Irving, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, and Garland. The county's economy is driven by financial services, telecommunications, technology, healthcare, and logistics, supported by robust city and county economic development programs.
This guide covers the programs available to businesses operating in Dallas County, including city-level Dallas programs, county resources, and state and federal programs that Dallas County businesses may be eligible for.
City of Dallas Programs
Dallas Office of Economic Development
The City of Dallas has an active Office of Economic Development that administers several business incentive programs:
- Chapter 380 Agreements: Dallas uses economic development agreements for businesses making significant investments and creating jobs. Incentives may include property tax rebates and direct grants. Chapter 380 agreements guide.
- Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts: Dallas operates numerous TIF districts where captured property tax growth funds public improvements and may provide development incentives.
- Public/Private Partnership Program: The city offers development fee reductions, expedited permitting, and land disposition programs in targeted development areas.
Dallas Business Inclusion Division
Dallas operates a Business Inclusion and Development Plan (BIDP) that sets participation goals for minority-owned, women-owned, and small businesses on city contracts. Certification through the Dallas MBE/WBE program opens procurement opportunities on city-funded projects including construction, professional services, and goods and commodities.
For more on Dallas-area programs, see our Dallas Fort Worth business grants guide.
Other Dallas County Cities
Irving
Irving is home to the Las Colinas urban center and numerous corporate headquarters. The city offers property tax abatements, Chapter 380 agreements, and foreign trade zone benefits. Irving's proximity to DFW International Airport makes it particularly attractive for logistics, corporate, and international businesses.
Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie has an active economic development program with property tax abatements for manufacturing, distribution, and corporate operations. The city's defense manufacturing cluster, anchored by several major defense contractors, creates subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.
Garland and Mesquite
East Dallas County cities like Garland and Mesquite offer economic development incentives focused on manufacturing, distribution, and light industrial businesses. These cities may offer lower operating costs compared to central Dallas while still providing access to the full DFW market.
Dallas County Programs
Dallas County Community Development
Dallas County administers CDBG and other federal pass-through funds that support economic development in unincorporated areas and smaller municipalities. These programs may fund microenterprise development, infrastructure projects that support businesses, and community facility improvements.
Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas
Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas provides employer-focused services including:
- On-the-Job Training: Wage reimbursement during employee training periods.
- Customized Training: Skills Development Fund grants through partnerships with Dallas College (formerly DCCCD). Skills Development Fund guide.
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit: Federal tax credits for hiring workers from targeted groups. WOTC guide for Texas businesses.
State Programs for Dallas County Businesses
- Texas Enterprise Fund: Deal-closing grants for significant job creation projects. Enterprise Fund guide.
- Texas HUB Certification: Free state procurement preferences for qualifying businesses. HUB program guide.
- TSBCI Capital Access: State-backed lending programs through participating banks.
- Texas Franchise Tax R&D Credit: Tax credits for businesses conducting qualifying research and development activities.
Federal Programs for Dallas County
- SBA Dallas/Fort Worth District Office: SBA 7(a) loans, 504 loans, microloans, and counseling. SBA 7(a) guide.
- SBIR/STTR: Innovation grants for R&D-intensive businesses. SBIR grants guide.
- New Markets Tax Credits: Financing tool for businesses and developments in qualifying low-income census tracts within Dallas County.
- Opportunity Zones: Multiple census tracts in Dallas County are designated Opportunity Zones, attracting investment capital with tax incentives.
- Foreign Trade Zones: DFW-area foreign trade zones provide duty benefits for businesses importing and re-exporting goods.
Key Industries in Dallas County
Financial Services
Dallas is a major financial center. Banks, insurance companies, and financial technology firms can access state franchise tax credits, workforce training grants, and Chapter 380 incentives for job creation.
Telecommunications and Technology
The Dallas Telecom Corridor in Richardson and Plano (extending into Collin County) is one of the largest telecom clusters in the world. Technology businesses in Dallas County can access SBIR/STTR grants, R&D tax credits, and workforce training programs.
Logistics and Distribution
Dallas County's central location, major highway network, and proximity to DFW Airport make it a logistics hub. Distribution and logistics businesses may access property tax abatements, foreign trade zone benefits, and workforce training grants.
How to Get Started
- Contact your city's economic development office: Dallas, Irving, Grand Prairie, and other cities each offer distinct programs.
- Apply for certifications: Dallas MBE/WBE and Texas HUB certifications can be stacked.
- Explore Workforce Solutions: Training grants and hiring incentives through Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas.
- Visit an SBDC: North Texas SBDCs provide free counseling and program identification.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Dallas County businesses have access to an unusually deep stack of programs across city, county, state, and federal levels. Most business owners miss programs simply because there are too many to research manually.
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 →