El Paso's restaurant industry serves a binational community with deep culinary traditions and a growing population. Restaurant owners in El Paso can access federal tax credits, SBA financing, state programs, and local economic development resources.
Federal Programs
- WOTC: Tax credits for hiring from targeted groups. WOTC guide.
- SBA 7(a): Restaurant financing up to $5 million. SBA 7(a) for restaurants.
- SBA Microloans: Up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders — suitable for smaller restaurant concepts
- FICA tip credit: Credit for employer FICA taxes on tips
State Programs
- Skills Development Fund: Workforce training. SDF guide.
- Enterprise Zone: Sales tax refunds in economically distressed areas — El Paso has significant qualifying areas
El Paso-Specific Resources
- City of El Paso Economic Development: Various incentive programs for businesses, including downtown and neighborhood commercial district revitalization
- Borderplex Alliance: Regional economic development organization providing business connections and support
- El Paso County small business programs: County-level business support. El Paso County guide.
- UTEP Small Business Development Center: Free consulting for restaurant operators on financing, operations, and growth
- El Paso Hispanic Chamber: Resources for Hispanic-owned restaurants
Border Economy Advantages
El Paso's border location provides unique advantages for restaurants, including access to the Foreign Trade Zone for imported food products and proximity to a large cross-border consumer market. Restaurants in the downtown area near the ports of entry may qualify for additional revitalization incentives.
Bottom Line
El Paso restaurant owners can access WOTC hiring credits, SBA financing, Enterprise Zone sales tax refunds, and local economic development incentives. The city's targeted revitalization efforts in downtown and neighborhood commercial districts create additional incentive opportunities for restaurants in those areas.
Not sure which programs may fit your El Paso restaurant? 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 →