Denton County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the DFW metroplex, home to Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and parts of several rapidly expanding communities. The county combines university-driven innovation through the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University with a strong manufacturing, logistics, and services economy.
This guide covers the business grant programs, tax incentives, and economic development resources available to Denton County businesses at the city, county, state, and federal level.
City Programs in Denton County
City of Denton
The City of Denton operates economic development programs through the Denton Economic Development Partnership:
- Chapter 380 Agreements: Denton can offer economic development agreements tied to job creation and capital investment. Chapter 380 guide.
- Property Tax Abatements: Available for qualifying manufacturing, technology, and corporate operations. Property tax abatement guide.
- Small Business Resources: The city connects businesses with the UNT SBDC and other local resources for counseling and program identification.
Lewisville and Flower Mound
Lewisville and Flower Mound each maintain economic development programs targeting corporate, technology, and light manufacturing businesses. These cities offer competitive incentive packages including tax abatements and Chapter 380 agreements for businesses creating jobs in their communities.
The Colony, Little Elm, and Corinth
Smaller but rapidly growing communities in Denton County are actively recruiting businesses. These cities may offer competitive incentive packages to businesses that bring jobs and investment to their growing communities.
Denton County Programs
Workforce Development
Denton County businesses access workforce programs through Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas:
- Skills Development Fund: Customized training grants through partnerships with North Central Texas College and the University of North Texas. Skills Development Fund guide.
- On-the-Job Training: Wage reimbursement for training new employees during defined training periods.
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit: Federal tax credits for hiring from targeted populations. WOTC guide.
University Resources
The University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University provide resources that benefit Denton County businesses:
- UNT SBDC: Free business counseling and training programs through the Small Business Development Center at UNT.
- UNT Inspire Park: Technology incubator and research park supporting startups and technology transfer from university research.
- Talent Pipeline: UNT and TWU provide a steady stream of graduates in technology, healthcare, education, and business fields.
State Programs for Denton County
- Texas Enterprise Fund: Deal-closing fund for businesses creating jobs. Enterprise Fund guide.
- Texas HUB Certification: Free state procurement preferences for qualifying businesses. HUB program guide.
- TSBCI Programs: State-backed lending programs through participating financial institutions.
- State Trade Expansion Program: Export assistance for businesses selling internationally.
Federal Programs for Denton County
- SBA Programs: SBA 7(a), 504, and microloan programs through the Dallas/Fort Worth District Office. SBA 7(a) guide.
- SBIR/STTR: Innovation grants for businesses conducting research and development. UNT's research programs create STTR partnership opportunities. SBIR grants guide.
- USDA Programs: Northern and western portions of Denton County may be eligible for USDA rural business programs in communities with populations under 50,000. USDA rural business grants guide.
- HUBZone: Some census tracts in Denton County are designated HUBZones.
Key Industries in Denton County
Advanced Manufacturing
Denton County has a growing advanced manufacturing sector. Businesses in this sector can access property tax abatements, Skills Development Fund training grants, and state enterprise zone benefits in qualifying areas.
Technology and Innovation
The university presence and DFW metro connectivity support a growing tech ecosystem. Technology businesses can access SBIR/STTR grants, R&D tax credits, and university partnership opportunities through UNT's research programs.
Logistics and Distribution
Denton County's position along major transportation corridors and proximity to DFW Airport make it attractive for distribution operations. Property tax abatements and workforce training grants are commonly used incentives for logistics businesses.
How to Get Started
- Contact your city's EDC: Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and other cities each have economic development programs.
- Visit the UNT SBDC: Free business counseling and program identification.
- Apply for Texas HUB: Free certification through the Comptroller.
- Explore Workforce Solutions: Training grants and hiring incentives.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Denton County businesses can access programs from their city, the county, regional workforce boards, the state, and federal agencies. Keeping track of every available program is difficult when you are running a business.
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