Business
Oak Cliff boasts of a diversified business community, composed of operations made up of international corporations; national chains; and smaller, locally owned establishments. The Dallas area is noted as one of the world’s leading corporate headquarters centers, with a total of 81 headquarters operations employing at least 1,000 globally just in the city of Dallas. The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area boasts 45 Fortune 1000 companies and more than 20 companies that have been listed among America’s largest private companies (Forbes).
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is among one of the largest employers in Oak Cliff. AAFES provides high-quality merchandise and services for soldiers, airmen and their families at post/base exchanges around the world. Sold at competitively low prices, the goods and services rendered through AAFES generate funds that support morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) programs.
Other businesses topping the major employer list in Oak Cliff are Quaker Oats, Continental Cabinets, Frito Lay, Oak Farms Dairy, American Airlines, On-Target Supply and Logistics, Pillowtex, Dresser Industries and A.C. Molding. In West Oak Cliff, Dallas Auto Auction operates a large-scale facility, and Hunt Trucking has established a major transportation center here as well.
Oak Cliff area businesses take advantage of a host of business-focused resources geared toward meeting organizational needs of all kinds. From professional accountants, attorneys and insurance agencies to creative services, printers and major financial institutions, the business community remains well-served.
Located at the Oak Cliff Municipal Center, the city of
Dallas’ Permit Center handles the issuing of most of the permits and licenses needed for doing business in the city of Dallas. The convenient Permit Center was organized in order to simplify the construction and development application and review processes. In addition to the array of information and services offered, the Permit Center houses a knowledgeable staff from the Building Inspection Division and other city divisions.
The city of Dallas’ Economic Development Department has been an integral force in the retaining, attracting, redeveloping and expanding of businesses of all sizes in the Dallas area. The department operates a division of the department at the Oak Cliff Municipal Center. The division places its focus on doing business in southern Dallas by offering valuable resources and assistance to businesses interested in relocating or expanding in the area.
The city also operates the Business Assistance Center Program (BAC), a vital resource for businesses seeking valuable information and orientation, training/seminars, financial/accounting services, management assistance, administrative support, business plan assistance, loan referrals and incubator space.
The Southern Dallas Development Corporation (SDDC), a partner with the city of Dallas, was organized as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 1989 with a mission to “leverage private debt and equity, promote access to capital, facilitate job creation and foster economic development.” The SDDC has offices located along Jefferson Boulevard in the heart of Oak Cliff and is a source of non-traditional funding for small businesses and minority- and women-owned operations.
The area’s learning institutions are further resources utilized by local businesses. Job training services are available in a variety of settings—through community colleges, the Dallas Can! Academy and the Bill J. Priest Center of the Dallas County Community College District.
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