Killeen is the largest city in Bell County and home to Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), one of the largest military installations in the world. The military presence drives a significant portion of the local economy, creating opportunities for defense contractors, service providers, and businesses serving the military community. Killeen's location in Central Texas also provides access to USDA rural programs for surrounding communities.
Killeen Economic Development Programs
Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Killeen Chamber serves as the primary economic development organization for the Killeen area. The Chamber works with the city on business attraction, retention, and expansion projects. Programs include incentive package development, workforce connections, and business advocacy.
City of Killeen Incentives
Killeen offers Chapter 380 agreements for qualifying businesses, which may include property tax abatements, fee waivers, and infrastructure support for projects creating jobs or capital investment. The city has designated Enterprise Zones where businesses can access state sales tax refunds.
Bell County Resources
Bell County supports economic development through county-level programs and partnerships with regional organizations. Workforce Solutions of Central Texas provides employer services including hiring incentives, on-the-job training programs, and customized recruitment assistance for Killeen-area businesses.
Military-Connected Programs
Fort Cavazos generates significant contracting and procurement opportunities for local businesses. Military-connected programs include:
- PTAC counseling: The Procurement Technical Assistance Center helps businesses pursue military and government contracts.
- Boots to Business: SBA program for transitioning service members starting businesses in the Killeen area.
- SDVOSB certification: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business certification provides federal contracting preferences.
Key Industries in Killeen
Defense Contracting
Fort Cavazos is one of the Army's largest installations. Defense contractors can access SBIR/STTR grants, HUBZone certification, SBA 8(a) set-aside contracts, and DoD Mentor-Protege programs. The base's annual economic impact exceeds $30 billion.
Healthcare
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and civilian healthcare providers serve the Killeen community. Healthcare businesses can access workforce training grants, HRSA programs for underserved areas, and SBA lending for practice expansion.
Retail and Services
Killeen's large military and civilian population supports a diverse retail and service economy. Small businesses can access SBA Microloans, WOTC hiring credits for veteran employees, and business counseling through the local SBDC.
State Programs for Killeen Businesses
- Texas Enterprise Fund: Deal-closing grants for major job creation and capital investment projects.
- Skills Development Fund: Workforce training grants through local community colleges and technical institutions.
- Texas HUB Certification: State procurement preferences for historically underutilized businesses. Learn about HUB certification.
- Texas Enterprise Zone Program: State sales tax refunds for businesses creating jobs in designated areas.
Federal Programs
- SBA Loans: 7(a), 504, and microloan programs available through SBA-approved lenders in the region. Learn about SBA 7(a) loans.
- SBIR/STTR: R&D grants for businesses conducting research with commercial potential.
- WOTC: Tax credits of $2,400 to $9,600 per qualifying hire from target groups. Learn about WOTC.
- HUBZone: Federal contracting preferences for businesses in qualifying census tracts.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Killeen businesses are often eligible for multiple programs at the local, state, and federal levels simultaneously. Our free screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs and shows you which ones may match. Start your free screening →