Dallas Fort Worth Business Grants 2026: City, County, and Regional Programs

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is the fourth-largest metro area in the United States and one of the fastest-growing economic regions in the country. With major industries spanning technology, financial services, defense, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, DFW small businesses have access to a deep set of local, regional, state, and federal programs.

This guide covers the most important Dallas Fort Worth business grants 2026 programs, including city-level incentives in both Dallas and Fort Worth, Tarrant County programs, and regional resources.

City of Dallas Programs

Dallas Office of Business Inclusion and Development

The City of Dallas Office of Business Inclusion and Development (formerly Office of Economic Development) administers several programs designed to help small businesses access city contracts and grow. Key programs include:

• M/WBE Certification: Dallas certifies minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises for participation in city contracts. The city sets participation goals on many contracts, creating opportunities for certified businesses to serve as prime contractors or subcontractors. Full guide to minority business grants in Texas.
• Small Business Enterprise Program: Dallas designates certain contracts for competition only among small businesses, reducing competition from larger firms and making city contracts more accessible.
• Business Development Programs: The city offers capacity-building workshops, procurement readiness training, and networking events for small business owners.

Dallas Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts

Dallas operates multiple Tax Increment Financing districts across the city. TIF districts capture growth in property tax revenue within designated areas and reinvest it in public improvements and development incentives. Businesses that locate in or expand within a TIF district may benefit from improved infrastructure and, in some cases, direct development incentives or grants.

Notable TIF districts in Dallas include the Downtown Connection TIF, Cypress Waters TIF, and the Design District TIF. Each district has its own board and may offer different types of incentives.

Dallas Public Improvement Districts (PIDs)

Public Improvement Districts are self-taxing districts where property owners fund enhanced services and improvements within the district. While PIDs involve an additional assessment, they provide cleaner streets, enhanced security, marketing, and infrastructure that can improve the business environment. Businesses in PIDs often benefit from increased property values and foot traffic.

Property Tax Abatements

The City of Dallas offers property tax abatements to businesses making significant capital investments and creating jobs. Abatements typically cover a percentage of the increase in property value resulting from the investment, phasing down over the term of the agreement (usually 5 to 10 years). These abatements can substantially reduce the ongoing costs of a major business expansion.

City of Fort Worth Programs

Fort Worth Economic Development Department

Fort Worth's Economic Development Department offers a range of business assistance programs:

• Small Business Grants: Fort Worth periodically offers grant programs for small businesses, particularly those in targeted areas or serving underserved communities. Grant amounts and availability vary by year and program.
• Business Equity Program: Fort Worth's Business Equity Program provides certification for minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged businesses for participation in city contracts.
• Tax Abatements and Incentives: Fort Worth offers property tax abatements, sales tax rebates, and other incentives for businesses making qualifying investments in targeted areas.
• Near Southside and Stockyards Incentives: Specific areas of Fort Worth have enhanced incentive programs designed to spur redevelopment and business growth.

Fort Worth Business Assistance Center

The Fort Worth Business Assistance Center provides free one-on-one business counseling, workshops, and connections to resources for small business owners. They can help you navigate city programs, prepare grant applications, and connect with relevant state and federal programs.

Tarrant County and Regional Programs

Tarrant County Small Business Programs

Tarrant County administers its own economic development programs separate from Fort Worth and other cities within the county. These include procurement preferences for local businesses, infrastructure support, and coordination with regional economic development organizations.

Dallas Regional Chamber

While not a government entity, the Dallas Regional Chamber coordinates economic development activities across the DFW metroplex and can connect businesses with relevant incentive programs at the city, county, and state level. Their business retention and expansion team works with existing DFW businesses to identify applicable programs.

North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG)

NCTCOG is the regional planning body for the 16-county DFW area. They administer certain federal and state programs and provide economic development planning assistance. NCTCOG programs include transportation planning, air quality improvement programs, and regional coordination of workforce and economic development resources.

State Programs Available to DFW Businesses

DFW businesses can access all Texas state programs. The most relevant include:

• Texas Enterprise Fund: DFW has been one of the top regions for TEF awards, with major investments in technology, financial services, and corporate headquarters.
• Skills Development Fund: Dallas County Community College District, Tarrant County College, and Collin College are active partners for Skills Development Fund training grants. Full guide to workforce training grants in Texas.
• Texas HUB Certification: Free state procurement preferences for historically underutilized businesses. This complements city-level M/WBE programs in Dallas and Fort Worth. Full guide to HUB certification benefits.
• Enterprise Zone Program: Certain areas within DFW qualify as Enterprise Zones, providing sales tax refunds for businesses creating jobs in economically distressed areas.

Federal Programs for DFW Businesses

DFW businesses have access to the full range of federal programs:

• SBA Dallas/Fort Worth District Office: The SBA operates offices serving the DFW area and provides access to 7(a) loans, 504 loans, microloans, and counseling services. Full guide to government-backed loans in Texas.
• SBIR/STTR: DFW's strong technology, defense, and healthcare sectors make SBIR/STTR a natural fit for businesses conducting R&D. The Department of Defense is a particularly relevant funding agency given the region's defense industry.
• HUBZone: Parts of the DFW area qualify as Historically Underutilized Business Zones, opening federal contracting preferences for businesses located in those areas.
• STEP Grants: DFW businesses engaged in international trade can access export assistance grants. Full guide to Texas export assistance programs.

Industry-Specific Programs in DFW

Technology and Financial Services

DFW is a major technology and financial services hub, with companies ranging from global headquarters to fast-growing startups. Programs particularly relevant to this sector include SBIR/STTR for R&D-stage companies, the Texas Enterprise Fund for companies creating jobs, R&D tax credits, and the TSBCI venture capital program for high-growth startups. See our guide to startup grants in Texas.

Defense and Aerospace

With major military installations and defense contractors in the region, DFW businesses in defense and aerospace can access Department of Defense SBIR/STTR funding, defense procurement opportunities, and the Mentor-Protege program that pairs large defense contractors with small businesses.

Logistics and Distribution

DFW's central location, major airports (including DFW International), and extensive highway and rail infrastructure make it a logistics hub. Businesses in this sector benefit from foreign trade zone programs, property tax abatements for warehouse and distribution investments, and workforce training grants for logistics workers.

Getting Started with DFW Business Programs

1. Identify your city's programs: DFW includes dozens of cities, each with its own programs. Start with your specific city's economic development department.
2. Get certified: Apply for Texas HUB certification and your city's M/WBE or small business certification programs. These are free and open additional opportunities.
3. Contact the SBA: Schedule a meeting with the SBA District Office to explore lending programs and counseling.
4. Visit your local SBDC: The North Texas SBDC network provides free business counseling and can help you navigate all available programs.
5. Explore TIF and PID participation: If your business is in a TIF district or PID, learn what benefits are available to businesses in those areas.

Bottom Line

Dallas Fort Worth business grants in 2026 span city-level incentives from both Dallas and Fort Worth, county programs, state economic development funds, and the full range of federal programs. The DFW metroplex's economic diversity means that programs exist for virtually every industry and business type. The key is navigating the multiple jurisdictions and identifying the programs that match your specific situation.

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 →