Jefferson County Awards $300K to Small Business Groups

The Jefferson County Commission approved $300,000 in economic development funding Thursday for small business support, awarding $150,000 each to the Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance and the Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama.

Both organizations will use the grants to deliver business curriculum, provide one-on-one advisory support, facilitate access to lending programs, and assist with business formation. This marks the third consecutive year the commission has funded both groups.

County Economic Development Advisor Jeff Traywick said the organizations have proven effective in helping business owners expand operations. "We wanted to support the businesses we have here and help them grow," Traywick said.

The funding brings the county's total small business investment this year to $450,000 across three organizations, including $150,000 awarded earlier this year to the Birmingham Business Resource Center.