Fort Worth has a strong manufacturing heritage anchored by aerospace and defense, with Lockheed Martin's F-35 production facility as the city's largest employer. Beyond aerospace, Fort Worth supports a growing base of food manufacturing, automotive parts, electronics, and industrial equipment producers. Manufacturers in Fort Worth may be eligible for city incentive programs, Tarrant County resources, state workforce training grants, defense supply chain opportunities, and federal programs that can support manufacturing growth and modernization.
This guide covers the most relevant programs for manufacturing businesses operating in the Fort Worth area.
City of Fort Worth Programs
Fort Worth Economic Development Incentives
The City of Fort Worth offers property tax abatements under Chapter 312 and economic development agreements under Chapter 380 for manufacturing projects that create jobs and capital investment. Fort Worth has historically been supportive of manufacturing development, and the city's economic development department works with manufacturers on incentive packages that may include multi-year tax abatements, infrastructure support, and permit expediting.
Fort Worth MWBE Program
The City of Fort Worth administers a Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) program that provides procurement preferences on city contracts. Manufacturers that qualify for MWBE certification can access preferences on city supply and equipment contracts, including manufactured goods procurement for public facilities and infrastructure projects.
Near Southside and Other Development Districts
Fort Worth operates several Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts that invest in infrastructure and development incentives. Manufacturers locating within TIF districts may benefit from publicly funded infrastructure improvements and development incentives.
Tarrant County Programs
Tarrant County offers economic development programs that can benefit manufacturers, including Chapter 381 agreements for county tax incentives. The Tarrant County Workforce Development Board provides workforce services, training programs, and hiring assistance for manufacturing employers in the county.
State Programs Available in Fort Worth
Texas Enterprise Fund
Manufacturing projects in Fort Worth that meet significant job creation and capital investment thresholds may be eligible for the Texas Enterprise Fund. TEF has been used to support manufacturing expansion in the DFW area, and the Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism evaluates applications based on job quality, investment level, and community impact.
Skills Development Fund
The Texas Workforce Commission's Skills Development Fund provides grants for customized workforce training. Fort Worth manufacturers can partner with Tarrant County College to access training funds for CNC operators, welders, machinists, quality inspectors, maintenance technicians, and production managers. Tarrant County College has strong technical and trades programs that align with manufacturing training needs.
Texas HUB Certification
Manufacturers owned by women, minorities, or service-disabled veterans may qualify for Texas HUB certification. State procurement goals for commodities include significant HUB participation targets, and state agencies purchase manufactured goods across many categories.
Freeport Tax Exemption
Manufacturers that process materials and ship finished goods out of Texas within 175 days may be eligible for the Freeport Exemption, which eliminates property taxes on qualifying through-put inventory.
Defense Supply Chain Opportunities
Fort Worth's aerospace and defense ecosystem creates significant supply chain opportunities for manufacturers:
- Lockheed Martin supply chain: The F-35 program and other Lockheed Martin programs maintain an extensive supply chain of Texas-based manufacturers providing machined parts, electronic assemblies, composites, and specialized materials.
- Bell Textron: Bell's Fort Worth operations support rotorcraft manufacturing with a regional supply chain of component manufacturers.
- Elbit Systems of America: The defense electronics manufacturer operates facilities in the Fort Worth area.
- DOD contracting: Manufacturers with 8(a), SDVOSB, or HUBZone certification can access set-aside defense manufacturing contracts through the DOD supply chain.
Federal Manufacturing Programs
TMAC (MEP Center)
The Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center provides subsidized consulting services to small and medium-sized manufacturers, including lean manufacturing, quality systems (ISO, AS9100), cybersecurity (CMMC), and supply chain management. AS9100 and CMMC certification are increasingly required for participation in the aerospace and defense supply chain.
SBA Lending Programs
- SBA 7(a) loans: Up to $5 million for working capital, equipment, and expansion.
- SBA 504 loans: Below-market fixed-rate financing for manufacturing equipment and facility purchases.
R&D Tax Credit
Manufacturers conducting research and development — including process improvement, prototyping, and new product development — may qualify for federal and Texas franchise tax R&D credits.
Energy and Sustainability
- Oncor rebates: Oncor offers commercial and industrial rebates for energy-efficient motors, lighting, HVAC, and compressed air systems.
- DOE Industrial Assessment Centers: Free energy efficiency assessments for qualifying manufacturers.
- Section 179 and bonus depreciation: Immediately expense qualifying manufacturing equipment purchases.
Steps for Fort Worth Manufacturing Business Owners
- Contact Fort Worth economic development: Discuss property tax abatements and Chapter 380 agreements for facility investments.
- Explore defense supply chain entry: Contact TMAC for AS9100 and CMMC certification guidance if you want to enter the aerospace and defense supply chain.
- Apply for workforce training: Partner with Tarrant County College for Skills Development Fund grants.
- Evaluate certifications: Apply for HUB, 8(a), SDVOSB, or HUBZone certification to access government manufacturing contracts.
- Claim R&D credits: Work with your accountant to identify qualifying R&D activities for federal and state tax credits.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Fort Worth manufacturers operate in a market with unique advantages — a major defense supply chain, strong city and county incentive programs, and a skilled workforce pipeline through Tarrant County College. The key is identifying which programs match your manufacturing specialty, certifications, and growth plans.
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