Many counties in Alabama enable companies to apply for grants, loans, and other assistance programs available through federal, state, and local government sources. Additionally, private providers, such as local foundations, often help fund programs for businesses in Lowndes County. The Lowndes County Economic Development Commission may be able to provide assistances to municipalities in site preparation, infrastructure projects, and project financing. For more information about assistance programs available in Lowndes County, contact the staff of the Lowndes County EDC at 334-371-8400.

Workforce Assistance

AIDT (Workforce Recruitment and Training)

AIDT is among the top workforce training programs in the US and provides state of the art training and support services for new and expanding businesses. AIDT is ISO 9001:2008 certified and provides training staff, mobile training units, in-house design and production facilities, recruitment assistance, customized pre-employment training, and production of training materials and videos for employee development at no cost to business and industry.

Alabama Technology Network (ATN)

Regional centers provide a range of services customized to the needs of local small manufacturers helping them be more globally competitive.

Alabama Career Centers

Assistance is available to support employers with employee recruitment and prescreening.

Enterprise Zone Tax Incentives and Exemptions

Butler County is one of 28 areas designated as Enterprise Zones eligible for additional tax and local tax incentives for businesses that locate or expand within these zones. Some benefits include:

Enterprise zone tax incentives:

• Credit based on income tax liability from Enterprise Zone Project Operations
• Credit for new capital investment
• Company may claim a credit of up to $1,000 per new permanent employee for training new permanent employees in new skill areas

Enterprise zone tax exemptions:

• Sales and use tax on purchases of construction-related materials, machinery and equipment used in the zone
• Income tax for five years
• Business privilege for five years