Economic Development

NACOLG serves Northwest Alabama as the region’s Local Development District (LDD), as designated by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and the Economic Development District (EDD), as designated by the Economic Development Administration (EDA).

As the development district for both ARC and EDA, NACOLG works closely with the local governments, businesses and industries in our five-county region in acquiring necessary infrastructure, and/or financing, for the creation or retention of jobs. NACOLG staff provide technical assistance to aid with the analysis of local economic needs, research of funding sources and grant writing, and project administration to complete economic development projects.

Typical Economic Development Funding Sources

• Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs – CDBG Program

• Appalachian Regional Commission

• U.S. Economic Development Administration

• Small Business Administration

• U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Development

Additional Local, Regional & State Resources

• ADECA Office of Minority Business Enterprise

• Alabama Department of Commerce

• Alabama Small Business Development Center Network

• Appalachian Regional Commission

• University of North Alabama Small Business Development Center

• North Alabama Industrial Development Association (NAIDA)

• Shoals Economic Development Authority (SEDA)

• Shoals Chamber of Commerce

• Franklin County Chamber of Commerce

• Franklin County Economic Development Authority

• Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce

• Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance (C3)

• Winfield Chamber of Commerce

• Haleyville Chamber of Commerce

• Winston County Industrial Development Authority

• Interstate 22 Alliance

Department Contacts:

Heath King - Economic Development Program Manager
hking@nacolg.org
256-389-0511

For more information regarding Economic Development opportunities, contact

Economic Development Frequently Asked Questions

What does NACOLG’s Economic Development Program do?

NACOLG works with local governments, businesses and industries to support economic growth and the creation or retention of jobs throughout Northwest Alabama.

Services include analyzing local economic needs, researching funding sources, grant writing, technical assistance and project administration.

What is a Local Development District?

NACOLG serves as Northwest Alabama’s Local Development District, as designated by the Appalachian Regional Commission. In this role, NACOLG helps communities identify regional needs, develop eligible projects and pursue resources available through ARC and related programs.

What is an Economic Development District?

NACOLG is also the region’s Economic Development District, as designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

This designation supports regional economic planning and projects intended to create jobs, retain employers, improve infrastructure and strengthen local economies.

Who can receive economic development assistance from NACOLG?

NACOLG works with:

• County governments

• Cities and towns

• Economic development organizations

• Local businesses

• Industries and manufacturers

• Community partners

• Other eligible public and private organizations

The assistance available depends on the proposed project and funding program.

What types of economic development projects does NACOLG support?

Projects may include:

• Infrastructure needed for business or industrial growth

• Water and sewer improvements

• Transportation or site-access improvements

• Industrial-site development

• Business expansion

• Job-creation projects

• Projects that help retain existing employers and jobs

• Regional economic development initiatives

Can NACOLG help an existing business expand?

Yes. NACOLG works with businesses, industries and local governments to explore infrastructure and financing resources that may support an expansion or help retain jobs.

Businesses should contact the Economic Development Program Manager to discuss the project before assuming it qualifies for a particular program.

Can NACOLG help bring new jobs to a community?

Yes. Job creation and retention are central goals of NACOLG’s economic development work. Staff assist communities and employers with planning, funding research and project development for eligible opportunities.

Does NACOLG provide grants directly to businesses?

Not necessarily. Many economic development grants are awarded to eligible local governments or other public organizations for projects that support business growth and job creation.

NACOLG can help determine whether a project may qualify and which organization should apply.

Can NACOLG help identify funding for infrastructure?

Yes. NACOLG helps communities and economic development partners research funding for infrastructure needed to support businesses and industries. Potential projects may involve water, sewer, roads, utilities or other improvements.

Does NACOLG write grant applications?

Yes. NACOLG provides grant-writing and technical assistance for eligible economic development projects. Staff can help applicants understand program requirements, organize project information and prepare competitive applications.

Can NACOLG administer a grant after it is awarded?

Yes. NACOLG provides project-administration assistance to help communities complete funded economic development projects and comply with applicable program requirements.

What economic development funding sources does NACOLG work with?

Potential funding sources include:

• Community Development Block Grant Program

• Appalachian Regional Commission

• U.S. Economic Development Administration

• U.S. Small Business Administration

• USDA Rural Development

The appropriate source depends on the applicant, project, location, job impact and current funding guidelines.

Does NACOLG guarantee that a project will receive funding?

No. Funding agencies establish eligibility requirements and make final award decisions. NACOLG can help evaluate a project, research possible funding and prepare an application, but funding cannot be guaranteed.

What information should I provide when discussing a project?

Helpful information may include:

• A description of the business or community need

• The proposed project location

• Estimated project costs

• Infrastructure requirements

• Number of jobs expected to be created or retained

• Proposed project timeline

• Funding already committed

• Existing plans, engineering documents or cost estimates

NACOLG staff can explain what additional information may be required.

When should we contact NACOLG about an economic development project?

Contact NACOLG as early as possible. Many grants require planning, engineering, environmental reviews, cost estimates and local commitments before an application can be submitted.

Can NACOLG help small businesses?

NACOLG can discuss possible financing and development resources with local businesses. It may also refer owners to organizations such as the Alabama Small Business Development Center Network, the University of North Alabama SBDC, local chambers of commerce and other business-support partners.

What is the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy?

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, commonly called the CEDS, is a regional plan that identifies economic conditions, priorities and strategies for future growth. It helps guide coordinated economic development throughout the region.

What counties does NACOLG’s Economic Development Program serve?

NACOLG serves:

• Colbert County

• Franklin County

• Lauderdale County

• Marion County

• Winston County

This includes businesses and communities seeking economic development assistance near Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Russellville, Red Bay, Hamilton, Winfield, Haleyville, Double Springs and other Northwest Alabama locations.

Does NACOLG work with other economic development organizations?

Yes. NACOLG coordinates with local, regional, state and federal partners, including economic development authorities, chambers of commerce, business-development organizations and government agencies.