Incentives & Financing

The office retention incentive program was designed to retain national and regional office headquarters in the City of Sugar Land.

Chapter 380 of the Texas Local Government Code allows Sugar Land to offer a range of incentives for economic development. This includes allowing the city to rebate a portion of its 1.0% sales and use tax collected from local business entities. 

The SLDC has a direct incentive program, which may be used to provide cash grants to qualified businesses, projects and non-profits.

Qualifying businesses relocating in Sugar Land can apply for a property tax abatement based on the economic value of a project. Tax abatements are available from the City of Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, and other jurisdictions, as applicable. 

Sugar Land utilizes Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) as a vehicle to develop and redevelop qualified projects based on City objectives. 

This program allows employees and family members of a qualified expanding business to pay in-state tuition rates at public higher education institutions without first establishing residency. 

The Product Development and Small Business Incubator Fund (PDSBI) is a revolving loan program financed through original bond issuances. The primary objective of the program is to aid in the development, production, and commercialization of new or improved products. Small businesses in the State of Texas are a strong focus of this program. 

The Skills Development Fund was established by the 74th Legislature in 1995. The fund utilizes training organizations such as community and technical colleges and technical schools to meet labor market needs. Small businesses and other employers can partner with these institutions for customized job training to meet the specific needs of the company.   

The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) awards “deal-closing” grants to companies selecting between Texas and an out-of-state site. The fund serves as a financial incentive for projects which contribute significant capital investment and new employment opportunities within the state. 

The Texas Capital Fund aids rural business development, retention and expansion by funding public infrastructure, development projects or rectifying deteriorated conditions in local communities.

Texas’ Enterprise Zone Program (EZP) is designed to encourage private investment and job creation in economically distressed areas of the state. 

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal income tax benefit administered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). WOTC reduces an employer’s federal tax liability when they hire individuals who may be disadvantaged in their job search. 

Centerpoint Energy offers incentives to participants (Project Sponsors) who install energy efficient retrofit projects in commercial and industrial facilities. This program also accepts new construction projects, which exceed minimum energy efficiency standards.