Harris County is the most populous county in Texas and the third most populous in the United States. Home to Houston and dozens of surrounding cities, Harris County offers a deep range of business grant programs, tax incentives, and economic development resources at the county, city, state, and federal level.
This guide covers the key programs available to businesses operating in Harris County, including county-administered programs, City of Houston resources, and state and federal programs that Harris County businesses may be eligible for based on published criteria.
Harris County Economic Development Programs
Harris County Small Business Programs
Harris County operates its own economic development programs separate from the City of Houston. The county has historically administered small business assistance through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, which supports microenterprise development, infrastructure improvements, and business district revitalization in unincorporated areas and smaller cities within the county.
Businesses in unincorporated Harris County or in smaller municipalities outside Houston should check with Harris County Community Services for current program availability. These programs often target businesses with fewer than five employees or those located in low-to-moderate income areas.
Harris County Property Tax Abatements
Harris County may offer property tax abatements to businesses making significant capital investments that create jobs within the county. Tax abatement agreements are negotiated on a case-by-case basis and typically require a minimum level of investment and job creation. Businesses considering a major expansion or relocation within Harris County should contact the county's economic development office to explore whether an abatement may be available.
City of Houston Programs
Since Houston is the largest city in Harris County, many Harris County businesses are located within Houston city limits and can access city-level programs. Key City of Houston resources include:
- Office of Business Opportunity (OBO): Administers M/WBE certification, small business set-asides, and bonding assistance programs for city contracts.
- Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs): Houston operates multiple TIRZs that fund infrastructure improvements and may offer development incentives within designated areas.
- Enterprise Zone Nominations: Businesses creating jobs in economically distressed areas of Houston can receive state sales and use tax refunds through Enterprise Zone designations.
For more detail on Houston-specific programs, see our Houston small business grants guide.
Harris County Workforce Development
Workforce Solutions - Gulf Coast
Workforce Solutions is the regional workforce board serving the 13-county Gulf Coast region, including all of Harris County. Businesses in Harris County can access several employer-focused programs:
- On-the-Job Training (OJT): Workforce Solutions may reimburse a portion of wages for new employees during a training period. This reduces hiring costs for businesses bringing on workers who need skills development.
- Skills Development Fund: Through partnerships with Houston Community College, Lone Star College, and San Jacinto College, businesses can apply for state-funded customized training grants. Learn more about workforce training grants.
- Rapid Response: Businesses expanding in Harris County can coordinate with Workforce Solutions for recruitment assistance and hiring events.
State Programs for Harris County Businesses
Harris County businesses have access to all statewide Texas programs. The most relevant include:
- Texas Enterprise Fund: The state's deal-closing fund for businesses making significant investments and creating jobs in Texas. Read our Enterprise Fund guide.
- Texas HUB Certification: Free state procurement certification for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. Guide to HUB certification.
- TSBCI Loan Programs: The Texas State Business Credit Initiative provides capital access programs through participating lenders statewide.
- State Trade Expansion Program (STEP): Export assistance grants particularly relevant for Harris County businesses given Houston's position as a major international trade hub.
Federal Programs Available in Harris County
- SBA Houston District Office: Provides access to SBA 7(a) loans, 504 loans, microloans, and free counseling through SBDCs and SCORE chapters. Guide to SBA 7(a) loans in Texas.
- SBIR/STTR: Harris County's concentration of energy, healthcare, aerospace, and technology firms makes SBIR/STTR innovation grants a strong fit. Guide to SBIR grants in Texas.
- HUBZone: Parts of Harris County are designated as Historically Underutilized Business Zones. Businesses located in these areas may access federal contracting preferences.
- New Markets Tax Credits: Certain census tracts in Harris County are eligible for NMTC financing, which supports larger business and real estate investments in low-income communities.
Industry-Specific Opportunities in Harris County
Energy and Petrochemicals
Harris County is the center of the U.S. energy industry. Businesses in energy, petrochemicals, and related services can access Department of Energy grants, clean energy manufacturing credits, and state severance tax programs. The energy transition is creating new incentive programs for carbon capture, hydrogen, and renewable energy businesses.
Healthcare and Life Sciences
The Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex, is located in Harris County. Healthcare and life sciences businesses can access NIH SBIR/STTR funding, HRSA programs, and state workforce training grants for healthcare workers.
Aerospace and Defense
NASA's Johnson Space Center is in Harris County, supporting a significant aerospace contractor ecosystem. Businesses in this sector should explore NASA SBIR/STTR opportunities, Department of Defense small business programs, and related federal contracting preferences.
How to Get Started
- Determine your location: Whether you are in City of Houston limits, another municipality, or unincorporated Harris County determines which city-level programs you can access.
- Check HUB eligibility: If your business is minority-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned, apply for free Texas HUB certification.
- Contact Workforce Solutions: Explore on-the-job training and customized training programs.
- Visit your local SBDC: The University of Houston SBDC provides free business counseling and can help identify programs you may be eligible for.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Harris County businesses are often eligible for programs at the city, county, state, and federal level simultaneously. Navigating all of these programs manually is time-consuming, and most business owners miss programs they could benefit from.
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 →