Communities across Alabama are sitting on untapped economic potential—and sometimes, all it takes is the right investment at the right time to bring that potential to life. In Jasper, that potential is becoming reality.
In 2024, the City’s Industrial Development Board (IDB) was awarded a SEEDS site development grant to remove significant rock, expand an existing graded pad, and construct a master stormwater detention facility. Building on that momentum, the IDB successfully secured a SEEDS site assessment grant in the next funding cycle to complete surveying, geotechnical testing, and environmental studies for a large adjacent tract.
With these critical steps completed and a master plan developed by Sain Associates, the Jasper IDB pursued and received a Growing Alabama grant to fund mass grading and drainage infrastructure. The project was recently bid, with construction expected to begin in April.
Turning Potential into Progress
Site readiness is often the biggest hurdle for communities trying to recruit new industry. Without grading, infrastructure, and due diligence in place, even well-located sites can be overlooked.
Jasper recognized this challenge and took a proactive, strategic approach—one that transformed a promising site into a competitive opportunity. This kind of progress doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when communities take full advantage of the resources available to them.
A Smarter Strategy: Pursue Both Funding Opportunities
One of the most important lessons from Jasper’s success is this: You don’t have to choose between SEEDS and Growing Alabama—you can (and should) pursue both.
These programs are designed to work together:
- SEEDS supports early-stage improvements such as site preparation, grading, and due diligence.
- Growing Alabama provides additional funding opportunities that can further advance site readiness and infrastructure.
By leveraging both, communities can accelerate timelines, expand the scope of improvements, and create sites that are far more competitive in today’s market. Jasper’s comprehensive funding strategy is a clear example of how this approach can move projects forward faster and more effectively.
The Bigger Message: Apply for the Funding
Too often, communities hesitate to apply for funding because they believe their project isn’t “far enough along” or “big enough.” However, programs like SEEDS and Growing Alabama exist to help bridge that gap.
Don’t assume your project isn’t ready. Don’t assume you won’t be competitive. And don’t sell your site short.
Jasper’s Industrial Park is a clear example of what can happen when a community takes that first step and pursues every available opportunity.
Now Is the Time
With upcoming funding cycles for SEEDS and Growing Alabama, now is the time for municipalities and economic development organizations to evaluate their sites and prepare strong applications.
Sain Associates has successfully helped secure SEEDS and Growing Alabama funding for multiple projects across Alabama and understands how to position communities to take full advantage of both programs.
Let’s Get Your Site Ready
Jasper’s progress shows what’s possible with the right strategy, strong partnerships, and a willingness to pursue funding. If your community has a site with potential, now is the time to act—and to think bigger about what’s possible. Our team would be honored to help you.