Cooperative Competes

Funder: Cooperative Energy and its 11 Member distribution cooperatives

Geographic Scope: Mississippi (55 counties served by Cooperative Energy's Member distribution cooperatives)

Program Focus: Economic development and community competitiveness through industrial property development, commercial property development, and workforce development

The Cooperative Competes initiative, unveiled in early 2019, is aimed at increasing product and community competitiveness. It allows economic development organizations or recognized authorities to apply for grant funds to offset property development costs.

Eligible Applicants

• Economic development organizations
• Recognized authorities (cities, counties, port authorities, community colleges)
• Public institutions

Eligible Uses

• Industrial site preparation
• Environmental due diligence studies
• A portion of local match for Mississippi Development Authority's Site Development Grant Program
• Commercial property development and master planning
• Marketing materials and community asset marketing
• Engineering services
• Industrial park signage
• Other property development needs

Requirements

• A local funding match is typically required

Geographic Examples of Funded Projects

• Hancock County (Pearl River Community College - Hancock Aviation Aerospace Workforce Academy)
• Hancock County (Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission - industrial property development)
• Washington County (Washington County Economic Alliance - Greenpointe Industrial Park promotion)
• Diamondhead (City of Diamondhead - commercial property development)
• Hattiesburg area (Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport Authority - I-59 Supply Chain Park)

Contact

For more information, visit: www.cooperativeenergy.com/economic-development-cooperative-competes/

Application Process

Specific application procedures are not detailed in available materials. Applicants should:

1. Contact Cooperative Energy or their local Member distribution cooperative
2. Work with local economic development organizations or recognized authorities
3. Prepare project proposal including:
   • Description of property development project
   • Explanation of how grant funds will be used
   • Details of local matching funds
   • Community/economic benefit details
4. Submit application materials (format not specified)

Required Materials

• Project proposal
• Evidence of local funding match
• Environmental due diligence documentation (if applicable)
• Development plans or master plans

For detailed application requirements and procedures, contact Cooperative Energy directly or visit the Cooperative Competes website.