Soft-Landing Program

Welcome to the Austin Region

The Austin region is a global hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity. Known for its vibrant economy, world-class facilities, and supportive business environment, Austin offers unmatched opportunities for growth and expansion.

Building on its reputation as a premier destination for businesses, Opportunity Austin is committed to making global transitions seamless and successful. The Soft-Landing Program provides tailored support to international and domestic companies, ensuring they have the resources, connections, and guidance needed to thrive in the U.S. market. From expert advisory services to integration into Austin’s robust innovation ecosystem, we empower businesses to achieve their goals with confidence.

Austin emerges as a global hub for innovation, joining the ranks of the world’s leading cities

- JLL, Innovation Geographies 2024

Soft-Landing Program

The Opportunity Austin Soft-Landing Program is tailored to meet the needs of international and U.S.-based companies looking to establish or expand their operations in the region.

With hands on assistance from Opportunity Austin, this program offers a comprehensive suite of resources to help businesses seamlessly integrate into Austin’s dynamic ecosystem while reducing the risks and costs of entering a new market.

Whether your business manufactures goods, provides services, or pioneers new technologies, the Soft-Landing Program ensures you have the tools, connections, and expertise to succeed.

  • Regulatory Guidance: Navigate U.S. incorporation, immigration, and visa requirements with ease.
  • Industry Insights: Access local market research and sector-specific intelligence to make informed decisions.
  • Strategic Connections: Build partnerships with industry associations, incubators, universities, and local government entities.
  • Tailored Resources: Find solutions for financing, mentorship, workforce recruitment, and office space needs.
  • Ongoing Support: Receive continuous guidance to ensure your business thrives in the region.

Austin Region Int’l Highlights

#1

Market for FDI per capita in the U.S.

#1

Best City in U.S. to Start a Business
(USA Today)

#1

Best business climate among top 50 metros
(Business Facilities)

#7

Best U.S. City for Foreign Businesses

Track A

Startups & Scaleups

Track B

SMEs & Major Enterprises

Resource Spotlight

Incentive Navigation Assistance
Incorporation & Tax Advisory Services
Government & Regulatory Support
Real Estate & Moving Services
Access to market data & research
Confidential Site Selection Assistance
Workforce & University Partnerships
Continuous Post-Entry Support

Program Impact

The Soft-Landing Program empowers businesses with essential resources and connections to succeed:

  • Global Access: Build connections with international networks to expand your business’s operational reach.
  • Austin Advantage: Leverage the region’s vibrant economy, skilled workforce, and innovation ecosystem.
  • Tailored Solutions: Access customized guidance designed to meet specific business needs.
  • Long-Term Growth: Benefit from ongoing support to scale and thrive in the U.S. market.

Austin’s First Regional Soft-Landing Program

  • Tour site locations in any of the five counties, 48 municipalities
  • Business professional services providing complimentary initial consultations
  • Comprehensive relocation assistance and relocation information for all regions and districts
  • Connect with innovators and ecosystem members of the Austin region
  • Whether you’re seeking cutting-edge industrial and flex spaces, premier Class A office locations in downtown or suburban markets, or campus-style facilities designed for collaboration, Austin provides the ideal environment to establish or expand your business.

global austin launch pad

As part of Opportunity Austin’s Soft-Landing Program, the Global Austin Launch Pad provides international companies with a low-risk, high-impact entry into the U.S. market. This initiative offers tailored support, strategic connections, and dedicated office space to help firms establish and scale in the Austin Region.

Made possible through sponsorship from Opportunity Austin and in partnership with Brown Advisory, this program connects participants with leading regional economic, academic, and business partners, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.

Participants benefit from expertise and resources provided by Texas Global, the Austin Technology Incubator (ATI) at UT Austin, the Texas International Business Accelerator at UTSA, Texas State University SBDC, and the U.S. Commercial Service. These partners offer specialized business development support, workforce training programs, and market insights critical for success.

  • Premier Class A Office Space – Three months of complimentary access in a prime Austin location.
  • High-Value Networking – Direct engagement with business leaders, investors, and government officials.
  • Tailored Strategic Guidance – Support in business modeling, market entry, operational costs, and immigration services.
  • Exclusive Business Resources – Access to workforce development programs, startup resources, and industry stakeholders.
  • Publicity & Awareness – Joint press coordination and marketing to amplify U.S. market visibility.
  • Educational & Networking Events – Curated programming designed to integrate companies into Austin’s business ecosystem.

This program is ideal for companies in disruptive technology sectors that:

  • Obtain commercial general liability insurance for office space utilization
  • Demonstrate sufficient resources to cover expenses during the program period
  • Have at least one staff member physically present in the Austin Region
  • Meet U.S. immigration services requirements for business travel
  • Operate in disruptive technology and/or multi-use solution industries
  • Possess capital investment to launch and scale the business in the Austin Region
  • Generate revenue through existing commercial activities or verifiable customer contracts

Applications are now open. Apply here.

Upcoming Events

Stay connected with exclusive networking events, workshops, and conferences designed to foster connections and support business growth.

FAQs

The program is open to international and U.S.-based businesses of all sizes, including startups, scaleups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and large corporations looking to establish or expand operations in the Austin region.

Working with Opportunity Austin is free of charge. While many resources and consultations are complimentary, certain services—such as legal, tax, or relocation assistance—are provided by our trusted partners and may involve additional costs. These partners are investors in Opportunity Austin, and we collaborate with them regularly to support our clients.

While the program itself does not offer direct financial incentives, we help participants navigate local, state, and federal incentive programs that may apply to their business.

Absolutely. One of our key services is facilitating introductions to local ecosystem partners, investors, professional services, and industry leaders to help grow your business network.

Yes, we can connect you with trusted providers for relocation services, including housing assistance, moving logistics, and employee support resources.

The program supports businesses across all industries but has particular strengths in tech, life sciences, manufacturing, creative industries, and clean energy, reflecting Austin’s regional economic strengths.

Contact Us

To learn more about the Soft-Landing Program, contact us today.