incentives
To help us understand your project and align with your company goals, we invite you to complete the Project Review Form application. This will enable us to tailor our support and incentives to meet your specific needs and ensure your success in our community. We look forward to partnering with you!
Harlingen Strong Small Business Recovery Grant
The Harlingen Strong Small Business Recovery Grant is a new initiative designed to help local businesses recover and rebuild after the devastating March 27, 2025 floods. This grant, administered by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (HEDC), provides up to $3,000 in financial assistance to support site improvements and job retention for businesses impacted by the disaster.
Tax Abatement
Qualifying businesses considering locate in Harlingen have the opportunity to apply for a property tax abatement on new value created as a result of a large industrial project.
Infrastructure Grants
Available for specific off-site improvements for qualified projects.
Land Grants
For qualified projects, HEDC may subsidize a portion or all of the cost of the land for a greenfield development. These types of grants are usually for large industrial projects with big job creation numbers.
Freeport Tax Exemption
Section 11.251 of the Tax Code provides for a freeport exemption applying to goods, wares, ores and merchandise other than oil, gas and petroleum products (defined as liquid and gaseous materials immediately derived from refining petroleum or natural gas) and to aircraft or repair parts used by a certificated air carrier.
Economic Studies Grant
HEDC can assist in the cost of applying for state funding programs such as the Enterprise Fund, Enterprise Zone Project, or Chapter 313 impact studies for qualified projects.
Sales Tax Incentive Program
The City of Harlingen and the State of Texas both offer great incentives for expanding and relocating business.
Customized Programs
HEDC may be willing to develop new programs for qualified businesses subject to meeting statutory requirements.
Chapter 380 Economic Development Agreements
Chapter 380 of the Texas Local Government Code allows Harlingen to offer a range of incentives for economic development, including the ability to rebate some of the city's portion of the 1.0% sales and use tax collected from business entities located in the jurisdiction.
Matching Job Training Grants
HEDC may participate in job training programs by providing matching grants for Texas Workforce Commission programs.
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones
The City has historically utilized Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) as a powerful vehicle to develop and redevelop qualified projects based on City goals and objectives.
$2 Million Fund for Small Business Loans
The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) has partnered with PeopleFund to launch a revolving loan fund that will provide $2 million in loan capital for eligible small businesses located within the Harlingen city limits.