Governor Ivey Announces $23.2 Million in SEEDS Grants to Boost Alabama’s Economic Growth – Alabama Governor’s Office (.gov)

Alabama Launches Third Round of SEEDS Grant Program to Boost Economic Development

Introduction to the SEEDS Program

On Tuesday, Governor Kay Ivey announced the opening of applications for the third round of Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) grant program, commencing July 1, 2025. A total of $23.2 million will be allocated to support site assessment and development initiatives across the state.

Program Administration and Objectives

The SEEDS program is administered by the Alabama Department of Commerce in partnership with the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA). The program aims to strengthen Alabama’s portfolio of industrial sites, thereby enhancing the state’s competitiveness for high-impact economic development projects. This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by fostering industrial development and job creation.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through site readiness and infrastructure improvements.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by supporting sustainable local economic development.

Application Process and Previous Impact

Applications for SEEDS funding will be accepted via a portal on the EDPA website from July 1 until the deadline on September 30, 2025. The first two rounds of funding supported 56 sites statewide, enabling local communities and economic development organizations to advance critical site readiness efforts.

Statements from Leadership

1. Governor Kay Ivey: Emphasized Alabama’s leadership in economic development and the importance of having development-ready sites as a key factor in the state’s success. She described SEEDS as a strategic investment in Alabama’s future.
2. Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair: Highlighted the transformative effect of SEEDS funding on promising properties, enabling them to attract job-creating projects and supporting long-term community growth.
3. EDPA President Miller Girvin: Expressed pride in the partnership with the Governor and the Department of Commerce, noting that SEEDS is making a tangible difference and expressing enthusiasm for the success of the third funding round.

Funding Focus for Round Three

The third round of SEEDS funding will provide support in two key areas:

• Site Assessment Grants: To evaluate the potential of new or underutilized industrial sites.
• Site Development Grants: To finance targeted improvements that increase site readiness for industrial projects.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The SEEDS program contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by:

• Promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth (SDG 8).
• Building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation (SDG 9).
• Supporting sustainable urban and community development (SDG 11).
• Encouraging partnerships for sustainable development through collaboration between state agencies and local communities (SDG 17).

Conclusion

The third round of Alabama’s SEEDS grant program represents a significant investment in the state’s economic future, supporting sustainable industrial development and community growth. Interested communities are encouraged to apply through the EDPA portal by September 30, 2025, to take advantage of this opportunity.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article focuses on economic development through the SEEDS grant program, which supports site readiness for industrial projects, fostering job creation and economic growth in Alabama.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The SEEDS program aims to improve industrial sites and infrastructure, enhancing the state’s competitiveness for high-impact economic development projects.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • By supporting local communities in site development and readiness, the program contributes to sustainable urban and community development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product.
3. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of Sites Supported and Developed
   • The article mentions that the first two rounds of SEEDS funding supported 56 sites statewide, indicating a measurable indicator of site readiness and development progress.
2. Amount of Funding Allocated
   • The allocation of $23.2 million for the third round can be tracked as an indicator of investment in infrastructure and economic development.
3. Job Creation and Economic Impact
   • Though not quantified in the article, the reference to “job-creating projects” implies tracking employment rates and economic growth as indicators.
4. Site Readiness and Assessment Outcomes
   • Indicators related to the evaluation and improvement of industrial sites’ readiness for development projects.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: alreporter.com