Pearland has grown from a small community to one of the largest cities in the Houston metro area, spanning both Brazoria and Harris counties. The Pearland Economic Development Corporation has been instrumental in diversifying the local economy beyond oil and gas services into healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing. The city's proximity to Texas Medical Center and NASA creates unique business opportunities.
Pearland Economic Development Corporation (PEDC)
PEDC Incentive Programs
The Pearland EDC offers performance-based incentive packages for businesses creating primary jobs. Programs may include cash incentives tied to job creation, building improvement assistance, infrastructure support, and workforce development grants. The PEDC focuses on healthcare, technology, advanced manufacturing, and corporate office projects.
Chapter 380 Agreements
Pearland negotiates Chapter 380 agreements that may include property tax abatements, sales tax sharing, and permit fee waivers for qualifying projects. The city evaluates projects based on job quality, capital investment, and diversification value.
Pearland Town Center Area
The Pearland Town Center and surrounding commercial corridors benefit from city infrastructure investments. Businesses in these areas can access TIF-funded improvements and high-traffic retail locations.
Brazoria County Resources
Brazoria County supports business development through the Brazoria County Economic Development Alliance, Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast, and county-level tax abatement programs. Some southern Brazoria County areas may qualify for USDA rural programs.
Key Industries in Pearland
Healthcare
Proximity to Texas Medical Center drives Pearland's healthcare economy. Healthcare businesses can access HRSA grants, workforce training programs, SBA lending for practice expansion, and WOTC hiring credits.
Energy Services
Pearland serves as a base for oil and gas service companies. Energy businesses can access R&D tax credits, workforce training through the Skills Development Fund, and SBA lending for equipment.
Advanced Manufacturing
Pearland has attracted advanced manufacturing operations. Manufacturers can access the sales tax exemption on production equipment, Freeport property tax exemption, PEDC incentives, and workforce training grants.
State Programs for Pearland 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
Pearland 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 →