Enterprise Zone Program

What Are Enterprise Zones?

An enterprise zone is an area of high unemployment targeted for business development which will create jobs., stimulate further economic revitalization and reduce economic distress in the zone. The purpose of any enterprise zone program is to create jobs and stimulate investment in areas of economic distress.

The Texas Enterprise Zone Program

The Texas Department of Commerce administers the state enterprise zone program. This includes adoption of program rules, coordination of local and state efforts; providing community assistance; evaluating zone ad project applications; and monitoring and reporting to the State Legislature on program effectiveness. The State provides direct development incentives for a limited number of qualified businesses and enterprise zone projects in order to support economic redevelopment in the most distressed areas of the State. The major financial incentives are refunds of both franchise taxes and certain state sales taxes.

Enterprise Zone Incentives: State

The State of Texas offers certain tax refunds as financial incentives to promote employment within designated enterprise zones. Refunds are awarded to qualified businesses and enterprise projects.

Enterprise Zone Incentives: Fort Worth

Each local governing body decides what local incentives will be available for enterprise zones, qualified businesses and enterprise projects. The types of incentives offered vary from city to city.