Business Assistance

Companies in many counties throughout Alabama are eligible to apply for grants, loans, and other assistance programs available through federal, state, and local government sources. Additional programs are funded by private providers, such as local foundations. The Escambia County Industrial Development Authority may be able to assist municipalities in site preparation, infrastructure projects, and project financing. For more information about the available assistance programs in Escambia County, contact the Escambia County Industrial Development Authority staff at (251) 368-5404.

Click the tabs below to learn about some of the available Business Assistance:

Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs)

  • Administered by local economic development organizations
  • Available for qualifying new and expanding companies
  • Can be used for land, building, and equipment purchases
  • Have lower interest rates and offer tax benefits

Regional Revolving Loan Funds

  • Regional program
  • Provides gap financing for qualifying new and expanding industries that are creating new permanent jobs
  • Can be used for land, building, and equipment purchases, as well as working capital
  • South Alabama Regional Planning

Certified Capital Company Program (CAPCO)

  • Open to qualifying businesses that are headquartered in Alabama or are moving their headquarters to the state
  • Administered by the Alabama Development Office (ADO) and provides alternative funding to conventional bank financing

More information about this program can be found on the Alabama Department of Commerce website.

USDA Rural Development

The USDA provides business assistance programs, including grants and loans for those companies looking to develop in rural areas. More information about these programs, including grant and loan information, can be found on the USDA Rural Development – Alabama website.

Site and Infrastructure Assistance

Local municipalities are willing to apply for site preparation and infrastructure grants to assist new and expanding companies in Alabama.

  • Industrial Development Grant Program (Site Preparation)
    • Used for land and labor surveys, site preparation, and road construction projects
    • Based on amount of capital investment
  • Alabama Infrastructure Grant Program
    • Used to improve infrastructure on a site
  • Alabama Industrial Access Road and Bridge Program
    • Used to create industrial access to a site
    • Includes construction of roads and bridges
  • Grants from Alabama Department of Economic and Affairs