From The Tribune staff reports
CENTER POINT — The Center Point Economic Development Committee (CPEDC) announced it is officially accepting applications for two newly established grant programs, New Business Incentive Program and Capital Improvement Program, for businesses in the city.
The committee will officially start accepting applications on July 1, 2022. The application can be assessed at the City’s website, cityofcenterpoint.org; completed applications must be sent by certified mail to the Center Point City Hall, 2209 Center Point Parkway, Center Point, AL.
The New Business Incentive Program serves to advance the city’s economic sustainability by assisting small business owners who show evidence of new business within the Center Point city limits, with cost for creation, origination, and/or setup. Providing this assistance not only incentivizes owners to bring business to Center Point but also provides support to businesses, offers our citizens more opportunities to shop local, and displays to the community that Center Point is committed to fostering a city that prioritizes business development.
The Capital Improvement Program improves the city’s aesthetics by enhancing the appearance of building façades. Better aesthetics increase property values, improve marketability, appeal to businesses, and encourage local citizens and visitors to shop and play in the area.
The Center Point mayor and council have a vision of growth in all facets of the city, with economic development being a priority. In doing so, Council President Collins appointed the first-ever Economic Development Committee to help CenterPoint become the thriving business city it can be and once was.
“I am grateful that the city leadership has embraced the New Business Incentive Program and the Capital Improvement Grant recommended by the Economic Development Committee. The action demonstrates that Center Point truly is ‘A City Moving Forward,'” City of Center Point Economic Development Specialist and CPEDC Member Buddy Aydelette said.
These programs will encourage new businesses to establish themselves in Center Point and aid in beautification, restoration, and enhanced aesthetics in the city.
“I am so thrilled that the City of Center Point is providing the New Business Recruitment and Capital Improvement Incentive Programs to service our community. This is a great step towards the enhancement of our city and neighborhoods,” Co-Chair of the CPEDC, Darriel Billups, said
The CEDC was established in 2021 with a mission to actively promote, encourage, strategically plan, and facilitate the development of responsible and properly planned commercial, industrial, and residential growth within the community to expand and strengthen Center Point’s economy and diversify the tax base of the city by identifying and targeting key business sectors that complement the fabric of our community, are beneficial to the residents, and create jobs.
The CEDC will serve as an advisory board and liaison between businesses and municipal government by providing recommendations for planning that best serve the business and resident communities while being consistent with the city’s master plan and being respectful of environmental and traffic considerations.