Economic Development

The Economic Development Department's vision is for Fort Worth to successfully compete on the national and international stage for creative, high-growth businesses and the talented individuals who fuel them. To make this vision a reality, our strategy is driven by the three goals of the city's Economic Development Strategic Plan:

  • Establish Fort Worth's competitive edge.
  • Become a hub for creative businesses.
  • Ensure community vitality.

Learn more about our Economic Development Strategic Plan


Fort Worth is an outstanding place to start, grow, or relocate your business.
No matter what you're looking for, it begins in Fort Worth.


 

Ongoing initiatives

 


 

Incentives

 


 

Additional programs

 


 

Contact us

 

For media inquiries, please call 817-392-6027 or send us an email.

 

For general inquiries or other information, contact:

Fort Worth Economic Development Department:

100 Fort Worth Trail, 14th floor
Fort Worth, TX 76102
817-392-2669 (phone)
817-392-2650 (fax)

Office of Small Business:

Devoyd Jennings Business Assistance Center (BAC)
1150 South Freeway, Suite 106
Fort Worth, TX 76104
fwbac@fortworthtexas.gov

817-392-2647 (phone)
817-392-6031 (fax)  


Department Head

robert sturns 2016 headshot.jpg

Robert Sturns

Robert Sturns has more than 25 years of experience holding leadership roles in municipal government, commercial real estate and banking operations. In his current role, he is responsible for the economic development program for the City of Fort Worth, including business attraction and retention, community revitalization, and small business/entrepreneurship development.


 

Local partners

Logo for the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce brings the Fort Worth region together to identify issues, solve problems, and align resources resulting in a stronger business climate and greater economic prosperity for all.

 

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The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was created when a small group of minority businesses and community members recognized the need for effective representation in the local business community. It was the fourth Mexican-American Chamber of Commerce to be established in the state of Texas.

 

Logo for Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber

The Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization with a foundation rooted in economics and education. It supports and advocates for minority business owners and assists the City of Fort Worth staff in economic development efforts throughout the city.

 

Logo for Visit Fort Worth

Visit Fort Worth  promotes tourism, events and other aspects of Fort Worth targeted to both residents and visitors.

 

Logo for Fort Worth Now

Fort Worth Now will strategically and aggressively usher in a new era of economic development by identifying key sectors and talent industries for new opportunities throughout our entire community.

 

Logo for Sparkyard

Sparkyard cultivates a connected and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Fort Worth area through a comprehensive platform that connects entrepreneurs and business owners to the resources they need to launch and scale their companies. Its vision is to make the Fort Worth area nationally recognized as a place where people come for their ideas and companies to thrive.

Additional contact information

The Economic Development Department works with a variety of local and regional partners to help provide the most accurate information on several topics.

Business license

  • Tarrant County Clerk's Office: 817-884-1195

Chambers of Commerce

  • Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce: 817-336-2491
  • Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce: 817-871-6538
  • Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: 817-625-5411

Demographics

  • North Central Texas Council of Government:* 817-640-3300
  • Texas Department of Transportation: 817-370-5600

Employees

  • Texas Workforce Commission: 817-861-2150
  • Occupational Safety & Health Admin (OSHA): 817-428-2470

Licenses and permits

  • Tarrant County Health Department: 817-871-7200
  • Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission: 817-451-9466
  • State Licenses and Permits: 800-888-0511

Miscellaneous

  • Better Business Bureau: 817-332-7585

Taxes

  • State Sales Tax:** 800-252-5555
  • Federal Taxes: 800-829-1040