The Denton EDP is Economic Development

Innovation and collaboration are two primary components of economic development. From attracting new businesses to supporting existing ones, creating new job opportunities, and enhancing each community’s quality of life, the Denton Economic Development Partnership (EDP) follows the same values and goals.

The Denton EDP is excited to celebrate the efforts and commitment of individuals who help enhance the lives and offerings of residents, visitors, and business leaders. International Economic Development Council’s Economic Development Week - May 10 - 16 - is an opportunity to do just that, bringing attention to “the programs, best practices, and exceptional individuals that positively impact life in their communities.”

Role of the Denton EDP as an EDO

At its core, economic development involves various activities to attract, create, and retain jobs. The Denton EDP, supported by stakeholders, is dedicated to developing partnerships between the public and private sectors through strategic efforts. This collaborative effort requires coordination between new and established businesses, government entities, and local associations. The primary functions of an EDO are:

Business Retention & Expansion

An EDO supports the economic environment through efforts to attract new businesses and retain existing ones. EDOs offer advisory services, facilitate access to financial assistance like low-interest loans and tax credits, and provide workforce training opportunities to help businesses overcome challenges and leverage growth opportunities.

Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Small businesses and startups are essential catalysts for community innovation and job creation. EDOs empower aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through various resources and support mechanisms. From providing business planning guidance and site selection assistance to facilitating access to financing, EDOs serve as a proxy incubator for local entrepreneurs.

Workforce Development

A skilled and resilient workforce is a must for businesses to thrive. Therefore, workforce development is a crucial aspect of an EDO’s mission. By fostering a strong talent pool trained at local educational institutions to thrive in local industries, EDOs ensure businesses have access to the skilled and talented employees they need to succeed without exhausting resources on grassroots training programs.

Enhancing Quality of Life

EDOs serve as the bridge between communities and businesses in their respective areas. Ultimately, their goal is to enhance their residents’ overall quality of life. Economic development is often linked with community development projects such as affordable housing initiatives, recreational facilities and downtown revitalization efforts. Through nurturing a vibrant and prosperous local economy, EDOs contribute to communities where people want to live, work, and invest.  

Denton EDP is Your Partner

Simply put, the Denton EDP fuels continued economic growth through support for new businesses starting and those looking to expand. The Denton EDP makes operating locally simple through:

• Complete education on the Denton economic ecosystem through a Broker Toolkit
• Direct access to available real estate from raw land to existing sites and buildings. 
• Applications and introductions to city, county and state incentives.
• Information on the free, confidential counseling and education through the North Central Texas Small Business Development Center.
• Assistance for women entrepreneurs at the Center for Women Entrepreneurs at Texas Women’s University in Denton.

Denton EDP’s core services include:

• On-site visits
• Streamlined connections
• Education events
• New business contact information
• Data, resources and economic information
• City, university and industry partnerships
• Business referrals
• Sponsored events with elected officials
• Assistance with workforce training resources
• Facilitation of City of Denton dept introductions during expansion
• Staying abreast of demographic and community-related data to share

Invest in Denton

The Denton EDP understands that business communities thrive through connection and networking. Perhaps the most critical endeavor is a commitment to fostering an environment where leading individuals, businesses, and organizations can combine their unique strengths and skills to drive Denton forward. Becoming an investor in the Denton EDP is an excellent opportunity to get involved and comes with numerous benefits, like:

• Funding Denton’s Small Business Development Center
• Seeking prospective developers, businesses, and site selectors
• Brokering partnerships with universities on behalf of the business community
• Offering business coaching and advising for local businesses wanting to expand

To learn more about what the Denton EDP does, how we support the community, or how we can help your business, explore the informative website or contact the Denton EDP.