Tyler is the economic hub of East Texas, serving as a regional center for healthcare, manufacturing, energy, and higher education. Located in Smith County, Tyler is home to the University of Texas at Tyler and major healthcare systems. The surrounding rural communities provide access to USDA programs, while the city itself offers robust local economic development incentives.
Tyler Economic Development Programs
Tyler Economic Development Council
The Tyler Economic Development Council works to attract, retain, and expand businesses in the Tyler area. The Council coordinates incentive packages that may include property tax abatements, sales tax rebates, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development assistance for qualifying businesses.
City of Tyler Incentives
Tyler offers Chapter 380 agreements and Chapter 312 tax abatements for businesses creating significant employment or capital investment. The city has designated Enterprise Zones where qualifying businesses can receive state sales and use tax refunds based on job creation.
Tyler Innovation Pipeline
The Tyler Innovation Pipeline supports entrepreneurs and startups through mentorship, coworking space, and connections to local investors and resources. This program helps early-stage businesses develop their concepts and access initial support.
Smith County Resources
Smith County supports business development through Workforce Solutions East Texas, which provides employer hiring incentives, skills training programs, and customized recruitment. The county also works with the Tyler Economic Development Council on regional attraction efforts.
Key Industries in Tyler
Healthcare
Tyler is a regional healthcare hub with UT Health East Texas, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances, and multiple specialty providers. Healthcare businesses can access HRSA grants, National Health Service Corps loan repayment, workforce training grants, and SBA lending for practice expansion.
Manufacturing
Tyler has a diverse manufacturing sector including metal fabrication, food processing, and industrial equipment. Manufacturers can access the sales tax exemption on production equipment, Skills Development Fund training grants, and property tax abatements through the city.
Energy
East Texas has significant oil and gas resources. Energy businesses can access severance tax reductions, R&D tax credits for drilling technology, and REAP grants for renewable energy projects in rural areas surrounding Tyler.
State Programs for Tyler 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
Tyler 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 →