Sealy Economic Development Corporation

Since 1979, Texas law has allowed cities to form economic development corporations to attract businesses and create job opportunities.
In 1989, the Legislature gave eligible cities the option of adopting a dedicated sales and use tax to fund many industrial development projects. Further legislation in 1991 recognized the need of some cities for funds to improve their appeal as places to live, work, and visit. This local sales and use tax became commonly known as the economic development sales tax.

On May 3, 1997, City of Sealy voters elected to adopt this additional sales tax under Section 4B of the Development Corporation Act of 1979. While the Section 4A tax is primarily intended for manufacturing and industrial development, the Section 4B tax provides cities with a wider range for the use of the tax revenues because it is intended to give communities an opportunity to undertake projects to provide for quality of life improvements, including economic development. In accordance with State law, the City created the Sealy Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and appointed a board of directors to administer the Section 4B sales tax revenues. The City began collecting the additional half percent economic development sales tax effective October 1, 1997.

Grants & Incentives

Business Improvement Grant

The Business Improvement Grant Program aims to promote business growth in Sealy by offering grants to fund improvements that lead to increased business activity. If you’re starting a new business or expanding an existing one and planning to upgrade your façade, your signage, and/or planning to install an ADA-compliant bathroom, you might want to apply for this grant from the Sealy EDC. If you are currently located or looking to locate in the Downtown District or on a major thoroughfare, your project may qualify. If you have any questions regarding this program please contact the Sealy Economic Development Corporation.

Completed applications must be submitted to the Executive Director on or before the first Tuesday of each month to be considered at the next regular SEDC board meeting. Late applications will not be accepted. The board meets on the third Tuesday of each month.

Please note: No grant will be awarded for work that has been started, in progress, or completed. In addition, the grant APPLICANT is responsible for obtaining all applicable city permits related to the improvement project, and failure to do so will render the applicant ineligible to receive grant funding.

It is advised that ANY APPLICANT review their plans for improvements prior to applying for a grant with the City of Sealy Economic Development Corporation located at 330 Main Street Sealy, TX 77474  Phone:  979-627-6127

Business Incentives and Tax Abatement

The City of Sealy and the Sealy Economic Development Corporation have developed an economic development incentives package as a means of attracting commercial prospects to the Sealy area. We are committed to the promotion of quality development within the City and to improving the quality of life for its citizens. The City will consider providing incentives to appropriate businesses in accordance with the procedures and criteria outlined in the various policies. We strongly encourage that you discuss potential incentives with the City Manager early in the stages of development.

In furtherance of these purposes, the City of Sealy will, on a case-by-case basis, give consideration to providing economic incentives to applicants in accordance with the Chapter 380, Economic Development Incentive Policy. Please click on the following link to view the Chapter 380 policy:  City of Sealy Tax Abatement Policy

If you are requesting financial assistance from the Sealy Economic Development Corporation, the applicant must submit a letter with the required supporting documentation. The below business information form must be completed and submitted to the Sealy EDC, prior to any construction or improvements to the proposed new or expanding project. Each project is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and subject to the availability of funds.

DISCLAIMER: The material contained in this section is provided for informational purposes only and cannot be construed as a commitment.

Business Recruitment, Retention and Expansion Opportunities

If you are interested in opening a NEW business, EXPANDING your current business or would like to discuss BUSINESS RETENTION please call to schedule a meeting at your convenience.

State of Texas Incentive And Financial Programs

The State of Texas offers a variety of incentives and programs to qualifying companies. We will work closely with the State of Texas incentive program representatives on potential qualifying projects.

DISCLAIMER: The material contained in the Summary of State Incentives is provided for informational purposes only and cannot be construed as a commitment.