Funding

View Economic Development Department funding options based on your industry below: 

Arts Funding Opportunities

 

Cultural Arts Funding 

The Economic Development Department’s Cultural Arts Funding Program supports cultural arts programs for the Austin community by contracting with arts organizations for specific services.

Thrive Grant - Deadline extended to December 2 at 5 p.m.

The Thrive Grant offers focused investment to sustain and grow local arts nonprofit organizations deeply rooted in and reflective of Austin’s diverse cultures. Awarded grants range from $80,000 to $150,000 per year for the 2-year contract. Learn more and apply for the Thrive Grant.

 

Film & Digital Media Production Incentives

Incentives and funding resources for filmmakers.

 

COVID-19 Economic Recovery 

Visit the ATXrecovers.com Musician & Artist page which features services to help musicians and artists that are recovering from economic hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Business Funding Opportunities

 

Business Expansion Incentive Program

The City may award an incentive for expansion projects to companies who create new jobs plus provide access to employment and community benefits. Considerations include: middle-skill jobs at above-industry standard compensation, hiring populations facing economic and socio-economic hardships that pose as a barrier to employment, and realizable community benefits beyond tax revenue.

 

Creative Space Assistance Program

Supports creative organizations facing temporary or permanent displacement or new commercial leases at higher and unaffordable rates. Grant funds may be used for revenue-generating space improvements, lease payment stipends, and gap funding for creative space purchases. 

 

Family Business Loan Program

The Family Business Loan Program is a public-private partnership between the City of Austin, HUD, and participating private lenders to offer low-interest loans to qualified small businesses that are expanding and creating jobs. Our mission to enable existing local businesses to expand and create jobs, revitalize communities, increase the tax base of the City of Austin, and enhance the overall quality of life for Austin residents.

 

Veteran Business Loan Initiative

The Veteran Business Loan is part of the Family Business Loan Program, a public-private partnership between the City of Austin Economic Development Department and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which offers a low-interest rate loan and low borrower equity requirements to help create or expand a business.

Music Funding Opportunities

 

Live Music Fund Event Program

The Live Music Fund was established by City of Austin Ordinance No. 20190919-149 on September 19, 2019. In response, the pilot Live Music Fund Event Program was formed with the Music Commission and community to prioritize the core equity principals of Preservation, Innovation, and Elevation & Collaboration.

 

City of Austin Performance Opportunities

From cultural events, to outdoor concerts, to film screenings, the City of Austin provides Austin area professional musicians and bands, dancers, and filmmakers paid performance opportunities for live and virtual City events.