Assistance Programs
For more information about the assistance programs available to businesses locating to or already located in DeKalb County, please contact the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority staff at 888-421-7957.
Industrial Development Grant Program
(Site Preparation)
County and local municipalities can receive site preparation grant money to assist new and expanding industries. These grants can be used for land and labor surveys, site preparation, and to provide access to qualifying sites.
| Capital Costs |
Percentage of Capital Costs |
| Less than $200,000 | 5.0% |
| $200,000 - $499,000 | 3.5% (minimum $10,000) |
| $500,000 - $999,999 | 2.5% (minimum $20,000) |
| $1,000,000 - $1,999,999 | 1.5% (minimum $28,000) |
| $2,000,000 - $9,999,999 | 1.0% (minimum $32,000) |
| $10,000,000 - | 0.75% (minimum $100,000) |
| Maximum $150,000 |
Alabama Economic Development (ED) Infrastructure Grant Program
Grants are available to county and local municipalities to be used for the extension of water, sewer, and road facilities. These grants are used to provide assistance to new and expanding industries.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – ADECA (alabama.gov)
CDBG Application Manual – ADECA (alabama.gov)
Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs)
IRBs may be used as long-term financing of up to 100% of a project for:
- Acquisition of land, buildings, site preparation and improvements
- Construction of buildings
- Acquisition and installation of furnishings, fixtures, and equipment
- Capitalizable soft costs (e.g. architectural and engineering, interest incurred during construction, cost associated with bond issuance, etc.).
For more information about state incentives, visit the Alabama Department of Commerce - Made in Alabama: Alabama Department of Commerce
Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG)
TARCOG offers a Revolving Loan program for new expanding businesses. Visit the TARCOG website for more information.
Alabama – Small Business Resource Information
The Department of Commerce has compiled a list of organizations that offers assistance to small businesses in a number of areas. Please visit the Alabama Department of Commerce for more information.
Starting a new business in Alabama? Visit Atlas Alabama website to help you develop your business plan, choose your business structure, choose and register your business name, and estimate your startup costs. This source was "designed to help business owners identify typical permits, licenses, certifications, etc. for given activities undertaken by businesses. The site offers a fully functioning wizard that allows users to enter information about their business and get results based on the answers that are entered. Information about City, State, and Federal resources, as well as other useful resources for businesses and entrepreneurs are included throughout the site." Alabama Small Business Commission
Tennessee Valley Authority Programs
The Tennessee Valley Authority has several loan and business assistance programs available for companies locating to or already located in DeKalb County.
These programs include:
- Valley Investment Initiative
- Deposit Assurance Program
- Economic Development Funds
- Special Opportunities Counties Fund
- Energy Efficiency Loans
Detailed information about TVA Programs here: Economic Development (tva.com). Existing businesses already located in DeKalb County can take advantage of TVA assistance programs too. To learn more about TVA’s incentives programs and find the right persons at TVA, visit these links. Alabama Region and TVA Programs
TVA Power Usage Calculator tool: https://www.tvasites.com/power-usage-calculator/
The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship
The Catalyst is a non-profit organization that offers assistance to women and men in North Alabama who want to start or grow their business. Visit The Catalyst Center website for more information.
USDA Rural Development
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides technical and business support programs for businesses. More information about these programs, including grant and loan information, can be found here. Welcome to Rural Development | Rural Development (usda.gov)
Small Business Development Centers
Another resource that is administered through the Small Business Administration is a network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) that offers one-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a wide range of information and guidance in training and counseling services. The SBDC that serves DeKalb County is located at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Visit the SBDC Huntsville office website for more information.
Other Business Resources
Government Grants for Small Businesses: www.chamberofcommerce.org
Fort Payne Alabama Chamber of Commerce: Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce
Rainsville Alabama Chamber of Commerce: Rainsville Chamber of Commerce
Henagar Alabama Chamber of Commerce: Henagar Chamber of Commerce | Facebook
