Community Economic Development (CED) Planning Grant

Community Economic Development (CED) Planning Grant

Funder: Office of Community Services (OCS), US Department of Health and Human Services

Grant Recipient: Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!)

Award Date: October 27, 2023

Geographic Scope: Jefferson County, Alabama (focus area)

Program Status: Active - ¡HICA! is the only organization in Alabama with an active CED Program grant

Focus Areas:

Poverty alleviation

Job creation for low-income individuals

Community economic development in high-poverty areas

Economic development for immigrant-owned businesses

Target Population:

Jefferson County residents

Latino population

Immigrants with limited English proficiency

Individuals facing higher poverty rates compared to state's white population

Project Objectives:

Establish a centralized resource center and business incubator for immigrant-owned businesses

Create pathways to access capital

Hire a Community Development Specialist

Conduct data collection and receive technical assistance

Strengthen community outreach and partnerships

Design comprehensive business strategy to aid immigrant entrepreneurs

Expected Outcomes:

Launch of resource center and business incubator

Increased entrepreneurship in Jefferson County

Full-time job opportunities generation

Economic empowerment of immigrant business owners

Program Background:
The CED program supports Community Development Corporations (CDCs) in high-poverty areas with planning grants to conceive viable community economic development projects. It focuses on areas with high unemployment and poverty rates.