The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF), the largest “deal-closing” fund of its kind in the nation, continues to attract businesses and jobs to Texas, with more than $500 million awarded. The TEF can be used for a variety of economic development projects, including infrastructure development, community development, job training programs and business incentives.
Projects that are considered for the Enterprise Fund support must demonstrate a project’s worthiness, maximize the benefits to the State of Texas and realize a significant rate of return of the public dollars being used for the economic development of Texas.
Capital investment, job creation, wages generated, financial strength of the applicant, applicant’s business history, analysis of the relevant business sector, and federal and local government and private sector financial support of a project will all be significant factors in approving the use of the Enterprise Fund.
The Governor’s Office works closely with local leaders to tailor incentive packages that best meet the needs of local communities and businesses. Applications for the TEF must be submitted to the Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism Division, which provides information on how funds are to be utilized and how the proposed project meets the criteria of the program.