18 Aug City of Austin Economic Development Department Resources

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City of Austin Economic Development Department Resources

The City of Austin’s Economic Development Department’s mission is to promote a competitive, sustainable, and equitable economy for all.

Click here for more information about Economic Development Department programs and services.


Economic Recovery Initiatives

The City is committed to restoring our local economy in a safe, equitable, and prosperous manner for all. The City is working hard to help businesses and individuals recover from financial hardships caused by COVID-19. Get the latest on Austin’s economic recovery initiatives here.

Small Business Resources

The Small Business Program offers a comprehensive directory of small business resources provided by local, state, and federal governments and non-profit agencies. Call 512-974-7800, email SmallBiz@austintexas.gov or visit www.SmallBizAustin.org for information about available services and support.

Financial Resources

There are a variety of grant and loan opportunities for Austin businesses. Click this link for the latest updates and openings. Ongoing programs include the following.

  •  Family Business Loan Program – A public-private partnership between the City of Austin, HUD, and participating private lenders to offer low-interest loans to qualified small businesses that are expanding and creating jobs.
  •  Veteran Business Loan Initiative – Part of the Family Business Loan Program. Offers a low-interest rate loan and low borrower equity requirements to help create or expand a business owned by veterans.
  •  Business Expansion Incentive Program – Incentives for expansion projects to companies who create new jobs and provide access to employment and community benefits. Considerations include: middle-skill jobs at above-industry standard compensation, hiring populations facing economic and socio-economic hardships that pose as a barrier to employment, and realizable community benefits beyond tax revenue.
  • Cultural Arts Funding – Cultural Arts Funding provides cultural arts programs for the Austin community by contracting with arts organizations for specific services. 
  • Heritage Grants – Promotes tourism through the preservation, restoration and rehabilitation of historic buildings, sites, or districts.


Workforce Solutions Master Community Workforce Plan (MCWP) Initiatives

By aligning education and training providers’ training programs with employers’ needs, the Master Community Workforce Plan will help 10,000 economically disadvantaged individuals secure middle-skill jobs by 2021. More information about MCWP initiatives is available here.


Small & Minority Business Resources (SMBR) Department Initiatives

The SMBR oversees a variety of business enterprise certification programs that enable access to city contracting and procurement, including:

  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise – DBE certification for participation in federally-funded contracts as a member of the Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP).
  • Small Business Construction Program – Small construction projects under $50,000 reserved for certified Small Business Enterprises (SBE) with the City
  • Plan Room Services – Hard copies of plans and drawings from the City of Austin and other local public and private entities. The Plan Room also provides access and free training on the McGraw Hill Online Database.


SMBR Outreach

Communications about services, key initiatives, and special notices along with monthly workshops on the fourth Tuesday of every month. See SMBR Outreach programs