The Business Retention and Expansion program of the Greater Waco Chamber supports and advances the growth of existing industries in McLennan County. A full-time staff person dedicated to meet with businesses one-on-one and learn more about their needs and opportunities for expansion. The program provides turn-key service with on-site visits with local executives, business assistance and issue resolution, project support, supplier networks, international business development and industry appreciation events.
The goal of the Business Retention and Expansion program is to foster relationships with our local employers who provide jobs for Greater Waco. We want to respond to their needs and be a valuable resource for their business success.
McLennan County
McLennan County municipalities
Local economic development corporations
Area chambers of commerce
Heart of Texas Council of Governments
Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions
Texas State Technical College Waco
McLennan Community College
Baylor University
McLennan Community College Small Business Development Center
Local Utilities
The Business Retention & Expansion Program conducts more than 100 on-site business visitations in McLennan County annually. In coordination with government officials and business volunteers, the team meets with executives to understand the company’s operations and to stay in touch with the business’ needs. Information gathered through these visits is strictly confidential and used only to create aggregate reports about the industries of Greater Waco. Detailed issues of concerns are never reported publicly.
Have a concern or issue with your business? Let our team know. We are here to help! Businesses don’t always have the time or resources necessary to identify solutions to the roadblocks in their operations. The Greater Waco Chamber’s business research staff stands ready to provide local, regional, state or national data and can assist with special research projects as needed. We also can assist by referring local issues to the appropriate agency. Consider our team your personal customer service providers ready to assist you in finding the answers to your business challenges.
Whether you are growing your workforce, expanding your facility or adding a production line, our team is available to help your company. Utilizing the resources available through our numerous service partners, we can identify the assistance programs and opportunities available to maximize the investment you are making in your facility. A local expansion in Greater Waco is just as important as the attraction of a new company to our community.
The Greater Waco Chamber also can help local companies enter the global market. With continuous advances in technology, global business is becoming easier than ever, and local resources are available to identify potential markets and clients. In addition, our team can assist in understanding the international reporting requirements and ways of avoiding potential pitfalls. Join the many companies in Greater Waco accessing business worldwide.
Having suppliers and vendors readily accessible can be a great asset to any business. The on-site visits help us develop a strong database of local resources. Working with you and other local businesses, we can identify opportunities to grow Greater Waco’s supplier network.
The Greater Waco Chamber brings companies together to share best practices, improve business opportunities and enhance the local business environment and the overall community. The Chamber has created business alliances for key industry sectors to address issues critical to their success. Consider participating in the alliances for aviation, health care or area industry managers—or let us know of a group you would like to start.
Industrial Tax Abatement (City, County, Community College)
Industrial Business Grants
Freeport Tax Exemption
Economic Development Corporations
Waco Industrial Foundation
Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions
Small Business Development Center
Bond Financing
Industrial Revenue Bond Program
Industrial Development Corporation Bonds
U.S. Foreign Trade Zone No. 246
Brownfields Redevelopment
Building Construction Waiver Fee
Tax Increment Financing Zone
Historic Preservation Tax Credits
Facade Improvement Grant Program
Public Improvement District
Texas Enterprise Fund
Emerging Technology Program
Texas Enterprise Zone Program and Projects
Sales & Use Tax Exemptions
Manufacturing Machinery & Equipment
Natural Gas & Electricity
Skills Development Fund
Texas Product / Business Fund
Defense Economic Readjustment Zone Program
Texas Capital Fund Infrastructure Program
Texas Capital Fund Real Estate Development Program
Texas Industry Development Revolving Loan Program
Renewable Energy Incentives – Tax Exemption & Deduction
Economic Development Bank