
The Waco Opportunity Navigator
This Asset Map is meant to provide you with a comprehensive list of local resources to assist in your Economic Development goals in Waco.
Training/Education

Waco
Waco . Click to expand.
Waco prides itself on having multiple pathways for post-secondary education. While the three largest institutions in the area are Baylor University, McLennan Community College, and Texas State Technical College, those are not the only options in Waco. Organizations are available in Waco to assist in any level of education or training.

Baylor University
Baylor University . Click to expand.
Baylor University is a private university that has been located in Waco since 1885. They offer both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide variety of disciplines.

Christian Women's Jobs Corps: McLennan County
Christian Women's Jobs Corps: McLennan County. Click to expand.
The Christian Women's Job Corps of McLennan County supports Women over 18 with in-person GED classes, testing, and workshops to equip job-seekers. This assistance includes the creation of an individually personalized plan that is followed to give participants the best chance for success. Their courses are offered in English and with the support of La Puerta Waco are also available in Spanish.

La Puerta
La Puerta. Click to expand.
La Puerta, established in 2017, addresses the needs of Waco's immigrant community by providing resources and Spanish-speaking support. Our mission, rooted in faith, aims to empower, and support Spanish speakers in Waco through hospitality and connection to essential services. We offer diverse programs, including education, accompaniment, and advocacy, fostering a nurturing environment for individuals and families.

McLennan Community College
McLennan Community College. Click to expand.
McLennan Community College offers associate degrees for students looking to move to other institutions of higher education or for those looking to go directly into the workforce after graduation.

Southern Careers Institute - Waco
Southern Careers Institute - Waco. Click to expand.
The Southern Careers Institute in Waco offers hands-on training and certification programs to help individuals secure a position in a needed field. Its focus is on healthcare, business, technology, and trades.

Tarleton State University: Waco
Tarleton State University: Waco. Click to expand.
Tarleton State University in Waco is located on MCC's campus and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields. They offer 19 bachelor degree programs, 9 masters programs, and 2 doctorate programs. They also have programs for teacher, principal, and superintendent certifications.

Texas Tech University: Waco
Texas Tech University: Waco. Click to expand.
Texas Tech University in Waco in located on MCC's campus and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields. Texas Tech also offers the Red Raider Guarantee to assist students in paying for their higher education.

Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas
Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas . Click to expand.
Texas Workforce Solutions offers many services to individuals looking for jobs and companies looking to hire them. They offer access to GED programs, skills training, and apprenticeships.

Texas State Technical College: Waco
Texas State Technical College: Waco. Click to expand.
The flagship campus of Texas State Technical College is located in Waco. They offer a technical vocational education in highly specialized and emerging fields.

The WorkSITE
The WorkSITE. Click to expand.
The WorkSITE is a collaboration between the City of Waco, McLennan County, and the Texas State Technical College to provide the courses most needed by Waco Employers. These classes are informed by local industry and provide the skills and knowledge that are most in-demand in Central Texas. Classes are currently being offered at the Region 12 offices at 2101 W. Loop 340, Waco, Texas 76712, but the WorkSITE will have its own specialized facility in early 2025.
Job Opportunities
The City of Waco has many local resources to assist job seekers in finding that perfect job in Waco.
Online Resources
- InWaco
- Texas Workforce Commission : Heart of Texas
- Esther's Closet
- Other Resources
Physical Resources
- Local Staffing Agencies
- Goodwill
InWaco.com
This is a resource created by the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce to showcase all of the opportunities in Waco as a place to live, work, play, and learn. This website also has posts for available jobs in Waco and can let you know about upcoming job fairs.
Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas
Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas is one of 28 local workforce development boards under the direction and funded by the Texas Workforce Commission. They offer a wide array of services to assist businesses navigate the local market build their workforce, and provide resources and services to help job seekers at every stage of their job search.
(254) 296-5300
Esther's Closet
Esthers Closet is a program operated by the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce. Their primary goal is to assist women entering or re-entering the workforce. They provide interview and workplace outfits at no cost. They also teach skills such as interviewing, resume writing, problem-solving, financial management, and more. They can provide job-seeking assistance for any industry but can provide career pathways and workforce training.
(254) 753-3399
Other Online Resources
The following links are to other popular websites for job postings in Waco.
Local Staffing Agencies
There are several staffing agencies in town that assist businesses in finding employees and potential employees in workplaces. Links are provided to their websites below. The map shows their locations around Waco. Zoom into the map and it will show the address of the staffing agencies.
Heart of Texas : Goodwill Industries
Heart of Texas: Goodwill operates 12 retail stores in the area with two outlet stores and three alternative donation centers. They provide vocational training and mission service programs. Their Waco locations are listed below.
Headquarters
1700 S. New Road, Waco, Texas 76711
Outlet
1000 East Waco Drive, Waco, Texas 76704
Retail Centers
1700 S. New Road, Waco, Texas 76711
916 East Waco Drive, Waco, Texas 76704
1508 Hewitt Drive, Waco, Texas 76712
2439 La Salle Avenue, Waco, Texas 76706
Start or Grow a Business
Networking Opportunities
Organization | Link to Organizations Website | Target Audience | Networking Events |
---|---|---|---|
Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce | Business Owners, Industry Managers, Small Business Community, | Luncheons, Waco Under 40, 1,000 Friends of Waco, Business After Hours, Business Power Hour, Hour Economy, Networking Forum, Leadership Waco | |
Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Community, Business Owners | Host annual BOSS Conference, Grand Openings, and other events. | |
Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Community, Business Owners | Host monthly Events such as the Floating Mercado, Cafe y Pan Dulce, Grand Openings, and other events. | |
Creative Waco | Creative Professionals across all artforms and media | Host Community Arts Events regularly and meet-ups for local artists and creatives. | |
Women of Waco Business Networking Group | Professional Women | Women on Wednesdays, Monthly Meetings, Social Showcase, Mini-Workshops | |
Startup Waco | small and local businesses, high-growth startups, and students. | Co-Working Space, After Hours, Office Hours, The Meetup which is hosted Wednesday mornings from 9-10 AM with speakers, coffee, and community announcements. |