The Fort Bend County Commissioners Court has approved a program to incentivize employment and assist small businesses in attracting labor. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were approved by the court August 3, 2021 to provide hiring incentives to small businesses and non-profit organizations to pay newly hired employers a hiring bonus.
The “Get Hired!” program encourages individuals to apply to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations within Fort Bend County – and encourages them to stay hired by offering an incentive after 90 days of successful employment. Program opens September 8, 2021 at 8 am for employers to register their businesses to participate in the program.
The process is simple and quick. Please review all the information on this page and gather any documentation you will need to create your account and register your business. Let's Get Hired! Fort Bend!
Please click here if you need further information or assistance regarding applications.
Employment Incentives
$500
Up To $15.00 Per Hour Or $30,000 Per Year
$750
$15.01-$20.00 Per Hour Or $40,000 Per Year
$1k
$20.01-$25.00 Per Hour Or $50,000 Per Year
Program Breakdown
The Get Hired! Employment Incentive Program is straight-forward and easy to follow. Interested employers register for the program BEFORE initiating the hiring process. Registration is as simple as logging in and submitting the necessary documentation. The grant review team will review the documents to ensure the business or organizations is active, eligible under the criteria established, and in good standing. Once confirmed as eligible, the business or organization can begin interviewing and hiring needed employees.
For the hiring incentive to be paid, the program requires the new employee work to work an average of 20 hours or more per week and be in good standing (actively employed) after 90 days. Upon completion of the 90 day period, the employer will submit records which demonstrate the employee has met the work criteria. Once reviewed and approved, the county will pay the employer the incentive (to be paid to the employee) and a standard administrative fee (to be paid to the employer) that covers any incurred fees.
Business Eligibility
This program supports small businesses and non-profit organizations with 1-50 employees and revenues between $25,000 and $5 million and encourages sustainable employment within this category of businesses. Business and non-profit organizations must be "active" as defined below and meet additional eligibility requirements.
Program participants receiving grants may develop individual guidelines that best serve their business needs so long as the outlined criteria for each grant tier is incorporated. To ensure program compliance, the incentive and program requirements must be adhered to, however, businesses may create ADDITIONAL criteria if needed to better meet the needs of their businesses. Participants in this program are advised to seek legal counsel and ensure that they abide by all applicable employment laws and fair employment practices.
Your area chambers and economic development organizations are here to help. Please contact your area chamber for more details or to assist with the registration process by clicking the box below.