ENTERPRISE, Alabama — Today, officials in Coffee County celebrated a $5.7 million grant through Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program that will enable the purchase of nearly 300 acres to expand and develop industry-ready sites at the Enterprise Commerce Park.
Enterprise received the largest SEEDS grant approved by the State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA) in February 2024.
This grant, combined with an additional $2.8 million in local funding, will help create a high-quality industrial site designed to attract companies in targeted sectors, positioning Enterprise for future economic growth.
“This SEEDS grant is a major boost to our efforts to recruit new industry and create more high-wage jobs, which will enhance our local community,” Enterprise Mayor William E. Cooper said. “This significant economic investment will allow us to prepare the site for future projects that will drive prosperity for Enterprise and the Wiregrass region.”
Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the SEEDS initiative is a crucial element of the state’s broader, long-range 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,” Secretary 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,” she added.
The SEEDS program represents a cornerstone of Governor Kay Ivey’s “Game Plan” for continued economic success, which was launched in April 2023. By accelerating the development of industry-ready sites, SEEDS ensures that Alabama remains competitive in attracting new business investments.
Rural impact
Brenda Tuck, Rural Development Manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce, highlighted the importance of the SEEDS funding for rural Coffee County’s future economic growth.
“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.”
Last February, the State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA) approved a total of $30.1 million in SEEDS funding, which will be matched with $38.4 million in local funds at 29 different Alabama industrial sites encompassing nearly 8,400 acres.
Eleven sites in Alabama’s “targeted,” or rural counties received SEEDS grants totaling $7.1 million.
In addition to Coffee, sites in Escambia, Autauga, Dale, Clay, Chilton, Lowndes, Conecuh and Greene, Lamar and Marion counties received SEEDS funding. Read an article on the impact.
The City of Enterprise, the city’s Industrial Development Board and the Wiregrass Economic Development Corp. collaborated in securing SEEDS funding for site development in the Enterprise Commerce Park.
A second round of SEEDS grants is now in the works.
