Overview:
Watauga's pro-business environment and its membership in numerous regional and state economic development organizations, provides the assistance needed in bringing business and industry to the area. The City has a bustling business environment of over 400 small, medium and large firms providing a diverse group of goods and services to its citizens.

These businesses support a quality of life unsurpassed by most towns of this size. While the business base includes several national chains, over 75% are owned by independent business people including many franchise opportunities. 

The Location Advantage: 

• Located in the heart of the Northeast Tarrant Region providing unity to the area and increasing the trade area for Watauga businesses.
• Close proximity to Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas, and their many suburbs, amenities, activities, and resources.
• Enahnced transportation with several major state and national highways, including the Denton Highway (Highway 377) corridor. There is also easy access to rail and the DFW International Airport. 
• The proud home of Capp Smith Park, a stocked spring-filled lake surrounded by lush grass and walking trail, a 9/11 Memorial Site, featuring a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, and the only City Water Tower in the world to hold four floors of office space.

The Economic Advantage:

• Median household income above the state average.*
• Unemployment percentage below the state average.*
• A trade area encompassing four different communities.
• Easy access on major thoroughfares to passenger rail, an international airport, and state and national highways.
• An economy expected to grow anywhere from 2-5% over the next four years. **
• In addition, several industries enjoy above average sales and capture rates:
• Approximately 60% of all sales tax figures result from retail and food service. **
• Retail outlets report a capture rate of 131-271%.**
• Food service reports a capture rate of 130%.**

The Shop Local Advantage:

The City works with all business owners in the promotion and success of their firms through the Watauga Shop Local Initiative. This free program includes:

• Shops QA: An online searchable business database
• SKEDS: An online local coupon service
• New Resident Business Listing & Coupon Sheet: Distributed with each new water account in the City
• Business Spotlight of the Month: Highlights one business each month in the City Newsletter and on the City’s Webpage. 
• Shop Local Initiatives: Twice a year the City promotes local shopping at City events

The Economic Development Incentive Advantage:
In addition, the City of Watauga provides several economic incentives for new and expanding businesses including: sales tax rebates, property tax rebates, development fee rebates, and financial assistance through loans and grants. City Council approved Guidelines and Criteria apply to all economic development incentives.

* According to the 2010 Census
** According to a 2011 sales tax report by MuniService