Tarrant County is the third most populous county in Texas, anchored by Fort Worth and including Arlington, Mansfield, Grapevine, and other fast-growing communities. The county's diverse economy spans aerospace, defense, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, supported by strong local economic development programs.
This guide covers the grant programs, tax incentives, and business resources available to Tarrant County businesses at the city, county, state, and federal level.
City of Fort Worth Programs
Fort Worth Economic Development Department
Fort Worth maintains an active economic development program with several incentives for businesses:
- Chapter 380 Agreements: Fort Worth uses Chapter 380 economic development agreements to attract and retain businesses. Agreements may include property tax rebates and direct incentives tied to job creation and capital investment. Learn about Chapter 380 agreements.
- Tax Abatements: Fort Worth can offer property tax abatements for qualifying businesses making significant capital investments in manufacturing, distribution, technology, and corporate headquarters. Guide to property tax abatements.
- Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts: Fort Worth operates several TIF districts that fund public infrastructure improvements and may offer development incentives within designated areas.
Fort Worth M/WBE Program
The City of Fort Worth operates a Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) program that provides procurement goals on city contracts. Certified businesses gain visibility for subcontracting and prime contracting opportunities. Fort Worth also operates a Business Equity Division that oversees procurement inclusion goals.
Other Tarrant County Cities
Arlington
Arlington, the second-largest city in Tarrant County, offers its own economic development programs including property tax abatements, Chapter 380 agreements, and foreign trade zone benefits through the Arlington Foreign Trade Zone. Businesses in manufacturing, distribution, and entertainment sectors may find Arlington's programs particularly relevant.
Grapevine, Southlake, and Northeast Tarrant County
Cities in northeast Tarrant County near DFW International Airport benefit from proximity to one of the busiest airports in the world. Many of these cities offer their own economic development incentives, particularly for corporate headquarters, hospitality, and logistics businesses.
Tarrant County Programs
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County provides employer-focused programs including:
- On-the-Job Training: Wage reimbursement for training new employees during a defined training period.
- Skills Development Fund: Customized training grants through partnerships with Tarrant County College. Skills Development Fund guide.
- Recruitment Assistance: Help with hiring events, job postings, and connecting with qualified job seekers.
North Central Texas Council of Governments
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) serves Tarrant County and the broader DFW region. NCTCOG coordinates regional transportation, environmental, and economic development planning. Businesses can access regional cooperative purchasing and workforce development resources through NCTCOG.
Defense and Aerospace Opportunities
Tarrant County has a significant defense and aerospace presence, anchored by Lockheed Martin's F-35 production facility in Fort Worth and the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base. This creates strong opportunities for businesses in the defense supply chain:
- DOD Small Business Programs: Subcontracting opportunities with prime defense contractors and direct DOD small business set-asides.
- SBIR/STTR: Department of Defense SBIR/STTR funding for innovative technology businesses. SBIR grants guide.
- Mentor-Protege Programs: DOD and SBA mentor-protege programs pair small businesses with established defense contractors for capacity building.
State Programs for Tarrant County Businesses
- Texas Enterprise Fund: Deal-closing fund for businesses creating jobs. Enterprise Fund guide.
- Texas HUB Certification: Free state procurement preferences. HUB program guide.
- TSBCI Loan Programs: State-backed capital access through participating lenders.
- State Trade Expansion Program: Export assistance for businesses selling internationally.
Federal Programs for Tarrant County Businesses
- SBA Fort Worth District Office: Access to SBA 7(a), 504, and microloan programs. SBA 7(a) guide.
- Foreign Trade Zones: Arlington and other Tarrant County locations operate Foreign Trade Zones that provide duty deferral and reduction benefits for businesses handling imported goods.
- HUBZone: Parts of Tarrant County are designated HUBZones, providing federal contracting preferences.
- Opportunity Zones: Several census tracts in Tarrant County are designated Opportunity Zones.
How to Get Started
- Contact your city's economic development office: Fort Worth, Arlington, and other Tarrant County cities each have their own programs.
- Apply for HUB and M/WBE certifications: Stack state and city procurement certifications.
- Explore Workforce Solutions: Training reimbursement and recruitment assistance.
- Contact the SBDC: TCU and TCC SBDCs offer free business counseling.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Tarrant County businesses often sit at the intersection of city, county, regional, state, and federal programs. Identifying all applicable programs takes time most business owners do not have.
Not sure which programs may fit your business? 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 →