Williamson County sits just north of Austin and is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. Home to Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, and parts of the Austin metro, Williamson County has attracted major employers like Dell Technologies and a growing semiconductor manufacturing cluster. Small and mid-size businesses in the county benefit from strong city-level economic development programs and proximity to Austin's technology ecosystem.
This guide covers the business grants, tax incentives, and economic development resources available to Williamson County businesses at every level of government.
City Programs in Williamson County
Round Rock
Round Rock has one of the most active economic development programs in the Austin metro area. The Round Rock Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership offers:
- Chapter 380 Agreements: Performance-based incentives tied to job creation and capital investment. Chapter 380 guide.
- Property Tax Abatements: Available for qualifying manufacturing, technology, and corporate operations making significant capital investments.
- Small Business Programs: Round Rock provides small business support through the Chamber and connections to SBDC resources.
Cedar Park
Cedar Park's Economic Development Department offers incentive programs for businesses creating jobs in the city. The Cedar Park area has seen significant growth in technology, healthcare, and professional services, and the city actively recruits businesses with competitive incentive packages.
Georgetown
Georgetown is the county seat and has experienced rapid growth. The Georgetown Economic Development Corporation offers Chapter 380 agreements and infrastructure assistance for qualifying businesses. Georgetown's municipal utility provides competitive energy rates that benefit commercial and industrial customers.
Taylor
Taylor has attracted major semiconductor manufacturing investment and is positioned as an advanced manufacturing hub. The Taylor Economic Development Corporation has offered significant incentive packages for manufacturing operations, and supplier and service businesses may benefit from proximity to these major facilities.
Williamson County Programs
Workforce Development
Williamson County businesses access workforce programs through Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area:
- Skills Development Fund: Customized training grants through partnerships with Austin Community College and Temple College. Skills Development Fund guide.
- On-the-Job Training: Wage reimbursement during employee training periods.
- Apprenticeship Programs: Registered apprenticeship support for high-demand occupations.
Williamson County Regional Resources
The Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) serves Williamson County and coordinates regional planning, economic development, and environmental programs. CAPCOG resources include cooperative purchasing and regional economic development planning.
State Programs for Williamson County
- Texas Enterprise Fund: The state's deal-closing fund. Williamson County has been a recipient of significant TEF awards tied to major manufacturing investments. Enterprise Fund guide.
- Texas HUB Certification: Free state procurement preferences for qualifying businesses. HUB program guide.
- Enterprise Zones: Businesses creating jobs in designated Enterprise Zones within Williamson County can receive state sales and use tax refunds.
- TSBCI Programs: State-backed capital access through participating lenders.
Federal Programs for Williamson County
- SBA Austin District Office: SBA 7(a), 504, and microloan programs. SBA 7(a) guide.
- SBIR/STTR: Innovation grants for technology and research businesses, particularly relevant given the area's semiconductor and technology sector. SBIR grants guide.
- CHIPS Act Programs: Businesses in the semiconductor supply chain may be able to access CHIPS Act funding and related incentives as these programs continue to roll out.
- USDA Programs: Eastern and northern portions of Williamson County may be eligible for USDA rural programs in communities under 50,000 population. USDA rural grants guide.
Key Industries in Williamson County
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Williamson County has become a major semiconductor manufacturing hub. Businesses in the semiconductor supply chain — equipment suppliers, specialty chemicals, precision machining, and engineering services — may benefit from proximity to major fabrication facilities and access to related workforce and infrastructure programs.
Technology
The Round Rock and Cedar Park areas host numerous technology companies. SBIR/STTR grants, R&D tax credits, and workforce training programs are available to qualifying tech businesses.
Healthcare
Williamson County's rapid population growth has driven healthcare expansion. Healthcare businesses can access workforce training grants, SBA lending, and facility development incentives.
How to Get Started
- Contact your city's EDC: Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, and Taylor each have active economic development programs.
- Apply for Texas HUB: Free certification for qualifying businesses.
- Explore Workforce Solutions: Rural Capital Area workforce board for training grants and hiring support.
- Visit the SBDC: Austin-area SBDCs provide free counseling.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Williamson County businesses can layer city, county, state, and federal programs — but finding every program you may be eligible for takes significant research.
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 →