Laredo is the largest inland port on the U.S.-Mexico border and handles more international trade by land value than any other port of entry in the United States. With international trade, logistics, and warehousing as core industries, Laredo businesses have access to local economic development programs, cross-border trade resources, and the full range of state and federal funding programs.
City of Laredo Programs
Laredo Economic Development Corporation
The Laredo Economic Development Corporation provides incentive packages for businesses creating jobs and making capital investments in the city. Available incentives may include property tax abatements, cash grants, and infrastructure support. The corporation focuses on business attraction and retention, with emphasis on logistics, manufacturing, and trade-related businesses.
Foreign Trade Zone
Laredo operates a Foreign Trade Zone providing customs duty advantages for businesses engaged in international trade. The FTZ allows goods to be imported, stored, assembled, and processed with deferred, reduced, or eliminated customs duties. Given Laredo's position as the top land port, the FTZ is particularly valuable for manufacturers and distributors with cross-border supply chains.
Enterprise Zones
Businesses creating jobs in designated Enterprise Zone areas within Laredo can access state sales and use tax refunds, with refunds up to $2,500 per qualifying job created.
Webb County and Regional Resources
South Texas Development Council
The South Texas Development Council serves as the regional council of government and administers federal and state programs for the region. Services include workforce development, economic development planning, and infrastructure funding coordination.
Texas A&M International University
TAMIU provides workforce talent, SBDC counseling, and research partnership opportunities. The university's programs in international trade and logistics, business, and bilingual education align with regional industry needs.
Laredo College
Laredo College partners with employers on workforce training programs through the Skills Development Fund and other initiatives. Programs in logistics, healthcare, and industrial technology serve regional employer needs.
State Programs for Laredo Businesses
- Texas Enterprise Fund: Deal-closing grants for major projects.
- Skills Development Fund: Workforce training grants through Laredo College and TAMIU.
- State Trade Expansion Program: Export assistance grants particularly relevant given Laredo's trade position.
- Texas HUB Certification: State procurement preferences for historically underutilized businesses.
- Freeport Exemption: Property tax exemption for goods temporarily stored in Texas before being shipped out of state — highly relevant for Laredo's warehousing and distribution businesses.
Federal Programs
- SBA Loans: 7(a), 504, and microloan programs through the San Antonio SBA District Office.
- HUBZone: Multiple areas in Laredo carry HUBZone designations, providing federal contracting preferences.
- SBIR/STTR: R&D grants for businesses conducting research in logistics technology, border security, and trade innovation.
- Opportunity Zones: Designated census tracts in Laredo provide capital gains incentives for qualifying investments.
- CDFI Lending: Community Development Financial Institutions serve the Laredo area, providing capital access for small businesses that may not meet conventional lending requirements.
Cross-Border Trade Advantages
Laredo's position as the nation's top land port creates unique advantages and program access:
- Foreign Trade Zone benefits for customs duty management
- STEP grants for international market development
- Ex-Im Bank programs for export financing and insurance
- Freeport Exemption for goods moving through Laredo's warehouses
- Proximity to Mexican manufacturing creating cross-border supply chain opportunities
See our guide to Texas export assistance programs.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Laredo businesses are often eligible for local, state, federal, and trade-specific programs simultaneously. 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 →