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.

Waco

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 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.

1311 South 5th Street, Waco, Texas 76706

Christian Women's Jobs Corps: McLennan County

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.

500 Clay Avenue, Waco, Texas 76706 (Entrance is on Clay between 5th and 6th street)

La Puerta

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. 

500 Clay Avenue, Waco, Texas 76706 (Entrance is on Clay between 5th and 6th street)

McLennan Community College

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.

1400 College Drive, Waco, Texas 76708

Southern Careers Institute - Waco

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.

3700 I-35 Suite A, Waco, Texas 76706

Tarleton State University: Waco

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.

1400 College Drive, Waco, Texas 76708

Texas Tech University: Waco

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.

1400 College Drive, Waco, Texas 76708

Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas

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.

1416 South New Road, Waco, Texas 76711

Texas State Technical College: Waco

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

3801 Campus Drive, Waco, Texas 76705

The WorkSITE

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.

2501 Wycon Drive, Waco, Texas 76712


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

Key to a robust economic development ecosystem is new and growing businesses. Waco has multiple local resources available to assist businesses at every level and in every industry.

Click the Arrow on the right for more information on the following organizations

  • Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce
  • Cen-Tex African-American Chamber of Commerce
  • Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • McLennan County Small Business Development Center
  • Startup Waco
  • McLennan Community Investment Fund
  • Maker's Edge Creation Studio
  • Creative Waco

Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce has many ways of supporting new and growing businesses in Waco. As well as offering multiple networking opportunities, they are also involved in the public policy space allowing local businesses to have an impact on state and federal legislation. They also are community leaders in cultivating a skilled workforce that supports local businesses.

(254)-757-5600

101 S. 3rd St., Waco, TX 76701

Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce

The Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce identifies and removes economic barriers within the African American and business community by developing strategic initiatives, setting measurable goals, and creating collaborative partnerships that will empower businesses and strengthen our society. This includes a Center of Business Excellence that can help businesses thrive by providing operational, social, and financial advice and assistance.

(254) 235-3204

715 Elm St., Waco, TX 76704

Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is centered around developing partnerships that create stronger community relationships, networking opportunities, and economic growth for its members. They host grand openings, ribbon cuttings, and other events throughout the year to celebrate local businesses.

(254) 754-7111

510 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76701

McLennan Small Business Development Center

The goal of the McLennan Small Business Development Center is to connect businesses and entrepreneurs with ideas, people, services, and resources needed to succeed. They offer technical assistance, business mentoring, training, and resources for all stages of small businesses.

(254) 299-8141

4601 N. 19th, Building A Room 36B, Waco, TX 76708

Startup Waco

Startup Waco serves the greater Waco community by creating a thriving culture of entrepreneurship. Designed with an inclusion mindset, Startup Waco champions entrepreneurs of all types by breaking down traditional barriers, collaborating with like-minded institutions, and filling gaps. Out of a physical space in downtown Waco, Startup Waco hosts a coworking environment, runs meaningful programs designed to support local businesses, and operates as a hub for the Waco business community.

(254) 304-9179

605 Austin Ave., Waco, Tx 76701

Downtown Waco Farmers Market

Their goal is to bring locally grown and produced goods to downtown Waco in order to support local farmers and artisans as well as to enrich the culture our community. The Downtown Waco Farmers Market hosts events regularly on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and on Wednesdays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. These events depend on the season and the weather.

info@wacodowntownfarmersmarket.org

Saturdays - 500 Washington Ave, Waco TX 76701

Wednesdays - 200 E. Bridge Street, Waco, TX 76704

McLennan Community Investment Fund (McCIF)

McCIF offers two services to individuals looking to start of grow a business. They currently offer Business Development Program Training on a monthly basis on changing topics important to new business owners. They also offer a Microloan program meant to provide assistance to small businesses that don't have the backing of a bank yet.

(254) 921-6823

605 Austin Ave, Suite #105, Waco, TX 76701

Creative Waco

Creative Waco offers a portfolio of creative sector grants, projects, and programs, plus networking for creative professionals and the "Waco Arts Alliance" for creative and cultural leaders.

(254) 300-8677

712 Austin Avenue, Waco Texas 76701


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.