New Braunfels is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, located along the I-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin. The city's tourism industry, driven by Schlitterbahn, the Guadalupe and Comal rivers, and Gruene Historic District, complements a growing manufacturing, technology, and healthcare economy. Comal County has been the fastest-growing county in Texas by percentage for several years.
New Braunfels Economic Development
New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation
The New Braunfels EDC uses Type A sales tax revenue to attract and retain primary employers. Programs include performance-based incentive packages, workforce development initiatives, and infrastructure support. The EDC focuses on manufacturing, technology, corporate offices, and businesses that diversify the economic base beyond tourism.
Chapter 380 Agreements
New Braunfels offers Chapter 380 agreements that may include property tax abatements, sales tax sharing, and infrastructure cost sharing for qualifying projects. The city evaluates agreements based on job creation, wage levels, and capital investment.
Downtown and Gruene Programs
New Braunfels supports its historic downtown and Gruene Historic District through preservation programs, facade improvement assistance, and tourism infrastructure investments. Small businesses in these areas benefit from high visitor traffic and city-supported marketing programs.
Comal County Resources
Comal County supports business development through Workforce Solutions Alamo, which provides employer services including hiring incentives and training programs. The county's rapid growth creates market opportunities for businesses across sectors.
Key Industries in New Braunfels
Tourism and Hospitality
Schlitterbahn, river recreation, and Gruene Historic District drive a strong tourism economy. Hospitality businesses can access WOTC hiring credits, workforce training grants, SBA lending for facility improvements, and city tourism marketing support.
Manufacturing
New Braunfels has attracted manufacturing operations taking advantage of I-35 access between San Antonio and Austin. Manufacturers can access the sales tax exemption on production equipment, EDC cash incentives, and Skills Development Fund training grants.
Healthcare
Resolute Health Hospital and a growing medical community serve the expanding population. Healthcare businesses can access workforce training programs, HRSA grants, and SBA lending for practice expansion.
State Programs for New Braunfels 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
New Braunfels 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 →