Business Incentives Consulting | Five Points Strategic Advisors

Integrating Incentives Into Budgets

Incentives can meaningfully improve project economics, but only when they are integrated into budgets realistically and conservatively. One of the most common mistakes companies make is treating incentives as guaranteed revenue rather than contingent support. In 2026, disciplined budgeting remains essential…

Financial planning session addressing incentive risk in site selection

Evaluating Incentive Risk

Incentives

Incentives can materially improve project economics, but they also introduce risk that must be understood and managed. In 2026, as incentive structures become more performance-driven and transparent, companies must evaluate not only potential upside but also compliance obligations and downside exposure.…

Incentives and Sustainable Growth

Incentives

Sustainable growth has become a central objective for both companies and communities. In the context of site selection and expansion, sustainability is less about short-term wins and more about creating conditions that support stable operations, workforce retention, and adaptability over time. Incentives…

Workforce Accessibility

Insights

Workforce accessibility has become a defining factor in long-term site success, particularly as labor markets remain tight and demographic patterns continue to shift. In 2026, it is no longer enough for a location to have an available workforce on paper. Companies must evaluate how easily workers can…

Inflation and Site Strategy

Insights

Inflation continues to shape site selection and expansion decisions in 2026, even as rates fluctuate across sectors and regions. Rising construction costs, higher borrowing expenses, and wage pressure all influence project feasibility. For companies evaluating new investments, understanding how inflation…

Incentives for International Companies

Incentives

International companies expanding or locating operations in the United States face a distinct set of challenges that domestic firms often do not. Regulatory complexity, unfamiliar incentive structures, workforce dynamics, and capital deployment considerations can all influence site decisions. In 2026,…

Production floor of mid sized manufacturers expanding operations

How Mid Sized Manufacturers Capture Incentive Value

Incentives

Mid sized manufacturers occupy a unique position in economic development negotiations. They are often large enough to create meaningful local impact but nimble enough to move quickly and adapt plans. In many cases, this combination allows mid sized companies to secure incentive outcomes that rival or…

Utility Cost Incentives

Incentives

Utility costs play a decisive role in long-term site economics, particularly for manufacturers with energy-intensive processes. While incentives often focus on jobs and capital investment, utility-related incentives can deliver some of the most durable operating benefits when addressed early and strategically.…

Economic development team collaborating with a company through early engagement

The Advantage of Early Engagement

Incentives

Early engagement with states, regions, and local communities consistently produces better outcomes in site selection and incentive negotiations. While many companies prefer to finalize internal decisions before involving public partners, this approach often limits flexibility and reduces leverage. In…

Mid Year Incentives Outlook

Incentives

By the midpoint of 2026, incentive programs across the country typically reflect a mix of momentum and constraint. Budgets that were flexible early in the year begin to tighten, priorities become clearer, and agencies shift from program rollout to execution. For companies evaluating projects mid-year,…