North Texas, anchored by the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and extending north through Denton, McKinney, and the Texoma region, is one of the largest and most dynamic economic regions in the United States. The area's diverse economy spans technology, financial services, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. North Texas businesses may be eligible for a wide range of federal, state, and local incentive programs.
This guide covers the most relevant grants, loans, tax credits, and incentive programs available to North Texas business owners.
Federal Programs
SBA Lending Programs
The SBA Dallas/Fort Worth District Office serves the entire North Texas region. Businesses may access SBA 7(a) loans up to $5 million for working capital and expansion, 504 loans for commercial real estate with below-market fixed rates, and Microloans up to $50,000 through CDFI lenders such as LiftFund and PeopleFund.
WOTC Tax Credits
North Texas employers hiring workers from eligible target groups may claim Work Opportunity Tax Credits of $1,200 to $9,600 per qualifying hire. The region's large and diverse labor pool includes many workers who may qualify under WOTC categories.
HUBZone Certification
Several North Texas census tracts qualify as Historically Underutilized Business Zones. Businesses located in and hiring from HUBZone areas may access federal contracting preferences worth billions in annual procurement.
State Programs
Texas Enterprise Fund
The TEF provides deal-closing grants for businesses creating significant jobs and capital investment. North Texas businesses competing for headquarters relocations, manufacturing facilities, or major expansions may qualify for negotiated TEF awards.
Skills Development Fund
The Texas Workforce Commission provides training grants through partnerships with Dallas County Community College District, Tarrant County College, Collin College, and other North Texas institutions. Businesses can access customized workforce training across virtually every industry sector.
Chapter 313 Successor Programs
The Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act provides property tax limitations for qualifying manufacturing, renewable energy, and data center projects making substantial capital investments in Texas communities.
Local and Regional Resources
Local EDC Programs
North Texas cities and counties aggressively compete for business investment using Chapter 380/381 agreements, property tax abatements, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, and direct incentive packages. Programs vary by city but may include infrastructure support, land cost assistance, and job creation incentives.
Regional Resources
- Dallas SBDC Network: Free consulting through the Bill J. Priest Institute and North Texas SBDC offices.
- SCORE Dallas: Free mentoring from experienced business professionals across multiple industries.
- DFW MBDA Business Center: Programs for minority-owned businesses in the Dallas area.
- LiftFund North Texas: Community lending for small businesses throughout the region.
Steps for North Texas Business Owners
- Contact your city's EDC: North Texas cities maintain active economic development offices with competitive incentive packages.
- Explore HUBZone certification: Check if your business location qualifies for federal contracting preferences.
- Partner with community colleges: Skills Development Fund grants can subsidize employee training costs.
- Implement WOTC screening: Screen new hires to capture available tax credits.
- Visit the Dallas SBDC: Free consulting to identify and apply for matching programs.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
North Texas businesses may access a combination of federal, state, and local programs. The key is matching your business profile to available incentives.
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