Galveston County is a coastal county combining tourism, maritime industry, and growing suburban communities, home to Galveston, Texas City, and League City. The county combines a strong local economy with access to state and federal programs that support business growth and job creation.
This guide covers the business grant programs, tax incentives, and economic development resources available to Galveston County businesses at the city, county, state, and federal level.
Local Programs in Galveston County
City Economic Development
Cities in Galveston County operate economic development programs that may include:
- Chapter 380 Agreements: Economic development agreements tied to job creation and capital investment. Chapter 380 guide.
- Property Tax Abatements: Available for qualifying businesses making significant investments in the community. Property tax abatement guide.
- Small Business Programs: Local grants, facade improvement programs, and other incentives for small businesses in downtown or target areas.
County and Regional Resources
Galveston County businesses access workforce programs through Workforce Solutions of the Gulf Coast:
- Skills Development Fund: Customized training grants through partnerships with College of the Mainland and Galveston College. 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.
State Programs for Galveston 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 Galveston County
- SBA Programs: SBA 7(a), 504, and microloan programs through approved lenders. SBA 7(a) guide.
- SBIR/STTR: Innovation grants for businesses conducting research and development. SBIR grants guide.
- USDA Programs: Rural portions of Galveston County may be eligible for USDA rural business programs. USDA rural business grants guide.
- HUBZone: Some census tracts in Galveston County may be designated HUBZones.
Key Industries in Galveston County
Galveston County's primary industries include tourism, maritime, healthcare, and petrochemical. Businesses in these sectors may be eligible for industry-specific programs including sector-based training grants, equipment incentives, and specialized tax credits.
How to Get Started
- Contact your city's EDC: Local economic development offices can explain available incentives.
- Visit your nearest SBDC: Free business counseling and program identification. Find your SBDC.
- Apply for Texas HUB: Free certification through the Comptroller.
- Contact Workforce Solutions of the Gulf Coast: Training grants and hiring incentives.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Galveston 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.
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 →