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JACKSON – Natchez is among nine communities in Entergy Mississippi’s service area that will receive the company’s annual economic development grant to help boost business growth in their communities.

The grants are awarded through the Excellerator Competitive Communities program, which helps communities within Entergy’s service area expand and attract new businesses and jobs.

This year, the program is awarding $70,000 in grants to support digital marketing, site development and economic development training. The recipients include the Greater Grenada County Partnership, Tate County Economic Development Foundation, Yazoo County Economic Development District, Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber, Natchez Inc., Rankin First Economic Development, Vicksburg-Warren Partnership, Washington County Economic Alliance, and Jefferson Davis County Economic Development District.

“The communities we serve are strengthened when new industries choose Mississippi, and current businesses expand. This grant program is just one way we help influence growth in the state,” said Ed Gardner, Entergy Mississippi vice president of business and economic development. “This year’s recipients serve communities with plenty of potential for development, and we’re excited to see these funds help them succeed.”

“We are honored and grateful to be awarded a $10,000 grant from Entergy to support our ongoing efforts to market the Natchez region’s premier industrial sites to targeted growth sectors, including metals, critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing,” said Chandler Russ, executive director of Natchez Inc.

“This funding will allow us to create strategic marketing pieces that clearly demonstrate the value and return on investment our region offers. By highlighting site-specific assets, competitive operational costs, and the strength of our labor shed — particularly our skilled workforce — we can more effectively position Natchez and Adams County as a top-tier destination for industry.

“We sincerely thank Entergy for their continued partnership and investment in our economic development initiatives. With their support, we continue to push forward in presenting our assets in the best possible light to industries poised for growth and innovation.”

Over nine years, the program has awarded over $670,000 to more than 20 Mississippi communities. The grants have assisted with strategic planning, site readiness, and marketing materials.

The selected communities may also leverage the grant when applying for state or federal site development assistance programs. By strategically partnering with Entergy Mississippi, economic development organizations are enhancing industrial sites and elevating their communities.

Entergy Mississippi’s economic development team works with communities year-round to help prepare them for growth. Learn more about Entergy Mississippi’s economic development efforts at www.goentergy.com/our-region/mississippi/.