ENTERPRISE, Ala. (WDNews) — The City of Enterprise, along with the Industrial Development Board and Wiregrass Economic Development Corporation, has received a $5.7 million grant from the State Industrial Development Authority. The funds will be used to purchase nearly 300 acres for the expansion of the Enterprise Commerce Park, aimed at developing industry-ready sites.
“The SEEDS grant assists in our efforts to recruit new industry and create more higher paying jobs which will enhance our local community,” Enterprise Mayor William E. Cooper said. “This significant economic investment will allow us to have this site ready for future projects.”
The Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) grant will be paired with $2.8 million from the city to attract businesses in targeted sectors. Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the SEEDS initiative is key to the state’s long-term economic development plan.
“The SEEDS program is key to Alabama’s mission of preparing more industry-ready sites, ensuring that communities like Enterprise are equipped to attract world-class companies,” McNair said. “By investing in infrastructure and industrial development, we are creating the foundation for long-term success and higher-paying jobs that will benefit Alabama’s workforce.”
Brenda Tuck, Rural Development Manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce, also highlighted the importance of SEEDS funding for rural Coffee County’s economic future.
“The SEEDS grant represents a critical opportunity for rural areas like Enterprise to enhance their competitiveness in attracting industry,” Tuck said. “This funding will not only develop the necessary infrastructure but also create the potential for sustainable growth in the community, supporting families and businesses for years to come.”
In April 2023, Gov. Kay Ivey launched her economic plan, The Game Plan, which enabled the State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA) to create programs like SEEDS to prepare industry-ready sites and boost economic competitiveness across Alabama.
Last February, SIDA approved $30.1 million in SEEDS funding, which will be matched with $38.4 million in local funds across 29 industrial sites in Alabama, covering nearly 8,400 acres. Eleven sites in targeted rural counties, including Coffee County, received $7.1 million of that funding. A second round of SEEDS grants is currently under review, with results expected early next year.
