Temple is a mid-sized city in Bell County that serves as a healthcare and logistics hub for Central Texas. Home to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center — the flagship hospital of the largest not-for-profit health system in Texas — Temple has built a strong medical economy. The city's location on I-35 between Austin and Waco, combined with proximity to Fort Cavazos, creates diverse business opportunities.
Temple Economic Development Programs
Temple Economic Development Corporation
The Temple EDC uses Type A and Type B sales tax revenue to support economic development. Programs include performance-based incentive packages, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development initiatives. The EDC focuses on manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and technology businesses that create primary jobs.
City of Temple Incentives
Temple offers Chapter 380 agreements and property tax abatements for qualifying businesses. Available incentives may include sales tax rebates, permit fee waivers, and utility rate considerations. The city has Enterprise Zones where businesses can access state sales tax refunds for job creation.
Downtown Temple Revitalization
Temple has active downtown revitalization efforts with facade improvement programs, historic preservation tax credits, and investment in walkable infrastructure. Small businesses in the downtown district may access city-funded improvement programs.
Bell County Resources
Bell County businesses access Workforce Solutions of Central Texas for employer hiring incentives, training programs, and recruitment assistance. The county's location between two major military installations (Fort Cavazos and Camp Mabry) creates additional contracting opportunities.
Key Industries in Temple
Healthcare
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center — Temple is the largest employer in the city. Healthcare businesses can access workforce training grants through the Skills Development Fund, HRSA programs, and SBA lending for practice startup and expansion.
Manufacturing and Logistics
Temple's I-35 location supports manufacturing and distribution businesses. Manufacturers can access the sales tax exemption on production equipment, property tax abatements, Freeport exemption, and workforce training grants at Temple College.
Small Business and Retail
Temple's growing population supports diverse small businesses. Business owners can access SBA Microloans, WOTC hiring credits, SBDC counseling at Temple College, and downtown improvement programs for qualifying locations.
State Programs for Temple 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
Temple 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 →