Applications open for next round of Alabama SEEDS grants: How to apply
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Another round of state funding through the Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) grant program will be handed out in October this year. And applications are now open.
The Alabama Department of Commerce says SEEDS will provide roughly $11.7 million in Round 4.
“The SEEDS program has steered more than $138 million toward the creation of industry ready sites around the state, guaranteeing that Alabama has the space and infrastructure to keep attracting quality industries and jobs.”
Gov. Kay Ivey
Communities have used the program to support in assessing and developing new industrial spaces. Since the program started in 2023, it has awarded $138 million in state funds and local matches across 76 sites across Alabama.
What sites are eligible for SEEDS funding?
In the upcoming round of grants, SEEDS will provide just over $11 million in state support for site assessment grants to evaluate the potential of new or underutilized sites.
Under the SEEDS Act, a local economic development organization may apply for a Site Assessment Grant if:
- The organization owns the site or holds an option to purchase it
- The site consists of at least 50 acres
- The applicant demonstrates that the approved grant funds will be matched by funds on hand or funds contingently committed to the project
The SEEDS program is administered by the Alabama Department of Commerce in partnership with the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA).
“Having available, shovel-ready sites across the state is critical to attracting prospective new employers. The SEEDS program takes communities’ sites from ‘what could be’ to ‘what is’ and gives Alabama an advantage in industry recruitment.”
Ellen McNair, Commerce Secretary
How to apply for SEEDS funding
Communities can apply for SEEDS funding via a portal on the EDPA website. Applicants have to select between an assessment application (50+ acres) or a development application (75+ acres).
Each application asks for at least 3 industry sectors the site could target along with the marketability of the proposed site. Applicants who need a site consultation or have questions should contact Greg Blalock at gblalock@edpa.org or (205) 943-4750.
The application deadline is Aug. 31. Awards will be announced in late October.
