Last fall, Sain shared a blog shedding light on the advantages of engaging with the Alabama Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Act grant program. Fast forward to late February, and we are thrilled to announce our successful collaboration with nine communities in navigating the intricacies of this program, with an impressive eight of them securing the much-needed funds.
The recipients of these funds span a diverse array of locales and clients, including the City of Prattville, City of Hamilton, City of Tallassee, Jefferson County, Chilton County IDA, Jasper IDB, Walker County EIDA, and St. Clair County. This achievement not only underscores the efficacy of the SEEDS Act but also emphasizes the importance of facilitating community development. Most of these industrial development agencies received Site Assessment Grants, although Jasper IDB, St. Clair County, and Walker County EIDA received Development Grants.
The SEEDS Act, operating as a vital catalyst, addresses the pressing demand for high-quality industrial sites within the state of Alabama. By creating new sites, Alabama positions itself advantageously in the competitive landscape, potentially transforming the fortunes of local communities.
Sain is proud to have played a pivotal role in this success story. We provided applying organizations with comprehensive proposals encompassing all elements essential for a successful SEEDS submission. This includes the delivery of a thorough due-diligence package and conducting an inventory of existing resources – enabling organizations to identify the requisite services needed for optimal project execution.
Our team ensured that local economic development organizations, industrial parks, and municipalities were well-equipped with the essential studies and information imperative for a successful grant application. This hands-on approach not only streamlines the application process but also empowers communities to present robust cases for funding, amplifying their chances of success.
The collaboration between Sain and the groups pursing the SEEDS Act funding has fostered opportunities for many sites, which helps Alabama remain as a formidable player in the highly competitive landscape of economic and industrial development. Sain Associates is interested in assisting other communities if additional SEEDS funding is available in the future.