The Texas Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism administers several of the state's most significant business incentive programs. These programs target job creation, capital investment, and economic growth across the state, ranging from discretionary deal-closing funds to statutory incentive programs.
Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF)
The Texas Enterprise Fund is the state's premier deal-closing fund, used to attract major employers and capital investments. TEF grants are discretionary — awarded by the Governor with approval from the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House.
- Award basis: Based on job creation commitments, capital investment, and economic impact
- Clawback provisions: Companies must meet agreed-upon job creation and wage targets or return funds
- Typical candidates: Major employers relocating to or expanding in Texas, typically with 50+ new jobs
Texas Enterprise Zone Program
The Enterprise Zone Program provides state sales and use tax refunds for qualified businesses making investments in designated Enterprise Zones and Enterprise Projects:
- Tax refunds based on capital investment and job creation in economically distressed areas
- Double Jumbo Enterprise Projects may qualify for up to $2.5 million in state sales tax refunds
- Businesses must be nominated by a local governing body
Skills Development Fund
While administered through the Texas Workforce Commission, the Skills Development Fund is a signature workforce program supported by the Governor's Office. It provides grants to community and technical colleges to create customized training programs for employers. Skills Development Fund guide.
Texas Music, Film, and Interactive Media Incentive Programs
- Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program: Cash grants for qualified film, television, commercial, and video game productions in Texas
- Music Friendly Communities: Designation program for cities that support music industry economic development
International Trade and Investment
- Trade missions organized by the Governor's Office to promote Texas exports and attract foreign direct investment
- International offices that market Texas as a business destination and support Texas exporters
- Coordination with the U.S. Commercial Service and EXIM Bank for export assistance
Tourism Programs
- Texas Tourism Marketing: Statewide tourism marketing that benefits hospitality and tourism businesses
- Travel Texas campaigns: National and international advertising promoting Texas as a travel destination
How to Engage With the Governor's Office Programs
- Contact your local economic development organization: Most Governor's Office programs require local government nomination or coordination
- Work with your regional EDC: Regional economic development corporations coordinate with the Governor's Office on major projects
- Visit gov.texas.gov/business: The Governor's Office website provides program descriptions and contact information
Bottom Line
The Governor's Office administers Texas's highest-profile economic development programs. While TEF and Enterprise Zone typically serve larger employers, the Skills Development Fund, media incentives, and trade programs reach businesses of various sizes. Understanding how these programs work helps Texas businesses position themselves for state-level support.
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