Building Cibolo: Partnerships, Planning, Prosperity

In a rapidly growing region, it can be easy for small businesses to get lost in the pace of development. In Cibolo, Texas, city leaders are taking a different approach. By investing directly in local entrepreneurs and forming strong partnerships with regional utilities and organizations, Cibolo is fostering intentional, collaborative, and sustainable growth.

“Cibolo is set up for success,” said Clancy Hardin, City of Cibolo Economic Development Manager. “It is just a matter of right-sizing and right-fitting.”

Cibolo exemplifies the forward-thinking communities within the GVEC service area. Through specific programs and purposeful partnerships, the city demonstrates how sustainable growth can simultaneously support business success and meet the needs of local residents. 

How does Cibolo help local entrepreneurs overcome rising costs?

Cibolo launched a program this year to address rising costs with its new EDGE Grant Program. Designed to support small and mid-sized businesses citywide, the program helps local entrepreneurs overcome rising costs associated with expansion and operation. Unlike traditional downtown-only grants, EDGE recognizes that businesses across the entire city play a vital role in Cibolo’s economic health.

“We were hearing that businesses outside our downtown were struggling,” said Hardin. “They needed help with things like equipment upgrades, tenant finish-outs, and rising impact fees. The EDGE grant was created to meet that need.”

The program offers a 50/50 matching grant of up to $15,000 to assist with expenses such as signage, façade improvements, equipment purchases, and certain permitting and impact fees. In a fast-growing city like Cibolo, those costs can quickly become barriers for locally owned and franchised businesses that are investing their own capital in the community.

The response has been immediate and encouraging. Within the first few months of launch, the EDGE program awarded nearly $50,000 to five businesses, including restaurants, a bubble tea shop, and a beauty salon. According to Hardin, the purpose goes beyond financial assistance.

“These businesses are the fabric of our community. They are people who are pushing their chips in and investing in Cibolo.”

How does Cibolo work with regional stakeholders to help businesses succeed?

Beyond direct funding, Cibolo is strengthening its economic development strategy through what Hardin calls the “power partnership.” By working closely with utilities, regional organizations, county leadership, and GVEC, the city ensures infrastructure planning for power, water, wastewater, and transportation happens early and realistically.

“When we work together, we eliminate surprises,” Hardin said. “We create a clear and honest picture so businesses can plan and succeed.”

This collaborative approach benefits both large employers and small businesses. City staff serve as advocates, helping business owners navigate challenges and connect directly with trusted partners, saving time and reducing uncertainty.

Looking ahead, Cibolo remains focused on supporting local businesses while guiding smart, sustainable growth. “We want people to be able to live here and work here,” Hardin said. “That means continuing programs like EDGE, building trust with our partners, and being intentional about the kind of growth we welcome.”

With strong partnerships, proactive planning, and targeted investment, Cibolo is proving that economic development is not just about growth. It is about building a community where businesses and residents succeed together.

To learn more about the enterprising communities in the GVEC service area, visit the GVEC website.