Governor Kay Ivey announced that applications for Round 3 of the state’s SEEDS grant program will open on July 1, with a total of $23.2 million available to support site assessment and development efforts across Alabama.

The SEEDS (Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy) program, administered by the Alabama Department of Commerce in partnership with the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), is designed to strengthen the state’s portfolio of industrial sites, enhancing Alabama’s competitiveness for high-impact economic development projects.

Once the application window opens, communities can apply for SEEDS funding via a portal on the EDPA website until the deadline of Sept. 30.

The first two rounds of SEEDS funding supported a total of 56 sites statewide, helping local communities and economic development organizations advance critical site readiness efforts.

“Alabama continues to be a leader in economic development, and a key factor in that success is ensuring we have development-ready sites available,” Governor Ivey said.

“The SEEDS program is a smart, strategic investment in our future — and I look forward to seeing even more communities benefit from this next round of funding,” she added.

SEEDS impact

In Round 3, SEEDS will provide support for both site assessment grants to evaluate the potential of new or underutilized sites and site development grants to fund targeted improvements that increase a site’s readiness for industrial projects.

“We’ve seen firsthand how SEEDS funding can transform promising properties into serious contenders for job-creating projects,” Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said.

“This next round of funding will allow us to build on that momentum and continue preparing Alabama’s communities for long-term growth.”

EDPA plays a key role in administering the SEEDS program and ensuring that investments align with the state’s broader economic development strategy.

“We are proud to partner with Governor Ivey and the Alabama Department of Commerce to help communities unlock the full potential of their industrial sites,” EDPA President Miller Girvin said.

“SEEDS is making a real difference on the ground, and we’re excited to work with local leaders to make Round 3 another success,” she added.

EDPA said applicants who need a site consultation or have questions should contact Greg Blalock at gblalock@edpa.org or (205)943-4750.