Rowlett is a lakefront community on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in the eastern Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, spanning Dallas and Rockwall counties. The city is undergoing a transformation through the Sapphire Bay mixed-use development and downtown revitalization, creating new commercial opportunities along with its established residential base. DART light rail access and proximity to major highways position Rowlett for business growth.
Rowlett Economic Development
Rowlett Economic Development
Rowlett's economic development team works on business attraction and retention through incentive packages, site selection assistance, and connections to regional resources. The city offers Chapter 380 agreements that may include property tax abatements, sales tax sharing, and fee waivers for qualifying projects.
Sapphire Bay Development
The Sapphire Bay mixed-use development on Lake Ray Hubbard is one of the largest lakefront development projects in Texas. Businesses locating in or serving this development may benefit from TIF-funded infrastructure, high-traffic location, and city development support.
Downtown Rowlett
Rowlett has invested in downtown revitalization near the DART light rail station. Small businesses in the downtown area may access facade improvement programs, transit-oriented development incentives, and community event traffic.
Dallas and Rockwall County Resources
Rowlett spans Dallas and Rockwall counties, giving businesses access to resources from both. Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas and Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas provide employer services. Both counties offer property tax abatement programs for qualifying projects.
Key Industries in Rowlett
Hospitality and Lakefront Tourism
Lake Ray Hubbard and the Sapphire Bay development create hospitality and tourism opportunities. Businesses in these sectors can access WOTC hiring credits, SBA lending for facility buildout, and workforce training programs.
Retail and Services
Rowlett's growing population supports expanding retail and service businesses. Small businesses can access SBA Microloans, SBDC counseling, and workforce training grants for employee development.
Professional Services
DART rail access and proximity to Dallas attract professional services firms. These businesses can access R&D tax credits for qualifying work, SBA lending programs, and workforce training through local community colleges.
State Programs for Rowlett 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
Rowlett 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 →