Incentives

The Helotes Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors and staff seek to bring quality jobs and investment to our community.  Please contact Interim Executive Director, Glenn Goolsby by telephone at 210.695.5910 or by email at ggoolsby@helotes-tx.gov should you have development or business proposals.

These incentives are awarded on a case-by-case basis according to the type of industry, capital investment, annual payroll and number of jobs created.

Road Construction Incentive Program

To help small businesses temporarily impacted during construction projects, Helotes EDC has provided toolkits, street banners and other resources to support to help businesses guide residents and visitors to their storefronts throughout the whole construction stages.

E-Commerce Accelerator Incentive Program

To encourage small businesses within the City of Helotes to diversify by establishing and promoting e-commerce sales to complement their brick-and-mortar storefront for the retail and service industry.  The HEDC has committed $80,000 to this marketing program to provide a maximum $5,000 matching grant per business to reimburse up to 75% of total project cost to establish, operate, and promote e-commerce for their business.

Retailer and Commercial Tenant Improvement Program

To help grow the retail and commercial businesses within the City of Helotes, this program reimburses eligible businesses up to 50% of the costs incurred in starting new and expanding existing businesses.

Community Arts Grant Program

The Community Arts Grant Program is funded by the City of Helotes Economic Development Corporation and managed by the Community Arts Grant Committee. The Community Arts Grant Program provides funding to Helotes-based arts and cultural organizations as well as individual artists of public art displays.

Targeted Business Incentive

Direct Incentives

As a Type-B Corporation, the Helotes Economic Development Corporation receives dedicated revenue from a 0.5% sales tax, which may be used to provide cash grants to qualifying projects and companies.

Property Tax Abatements

The City of Helotes can reduce the property tax obligations of a project’s real and business personal property for up to 10 years.

Old Town Helotes Tax Abatement

Owners of real property located in the Old Town Helotes Special District are eligible to apply for a 50% municipal ad valorem tax abatement for up to 10 years for eligible new construction or renovations greater than $10,000.

Chapter 380 Agreements

Chapter 380 of the Local Government Code authorizes municipalities to offer incentives designed to promote economic development such as commercial and retail projects. Specifically, it provides for offering loans and grants of city funds or services at little or no cost to promote state and local economic development and to stimulate business and commercial activity.

For a list of active Chapter 380 Agreements click “here.”

Texas Enterprise Fund

The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) is the nation’s largest “deal-closing” fund. Cash grants are awarded to businesses expanding or relocating in the state. For more information, visit the Fund’s website or contact us.

Skills Development Fund

State funds are available to assist with customized job training offered by Collin College’s Center for Workforce and Economic Development. For more information, visit the state’s website.

Skills For Small Business Program

Companies with fewer than 100 employees can train new workers and upgrade skills of incumbent workers with access to all credit and continuing education courses offered through Collin College.  The program offers a grant of up to $1,800 per employee for each new employee being trained and $900 per employee for existing employees that are hired within the previous 12 months. Learn more on the state’s website.

Texas Data Center Incentive

Qualified data centers receive an exemption on state use and sales tax (6%) on hardware and other equipment. Learn more on the Comptroller’s website.

Texas Research & Development Incentive Program

Companies engaged in research and development operations can receive a reduction in either their state sales tax or franchise tax via the Texas Research & Development Incentive Program. Contact us for more information.

Business Relocation Deduction

Businesses relocating to Texas can deduct qualified relocation expenses from their state franchise taxes.

We invite you to contact us to discuss your project and potential incentives.

You may also review the Prospect Questionnaire to see what information will be needed when applying for incentives.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Board meetings are generally held the third Wednesday of each month, but for major projects under a tight deadline, special meetings can be called within 72 hours.

THE STEPS

Staff qualifies the project and offers HEDC services.

Company submits the Prospect Questionnaire to determine economic and fiscal impacts in the community.

If possible, staff will visit the prospective company.

Staff presents the project to the Board of Directors for consideration.

If approved, staff issues a term sheet for prospect to review.

Economic Development Incentive Agreement is drafted and signed.