A wide variety of programs and funding are available through the Department of Community Affairs in Atlanta, Georgia. For a comprehensive listing of DCA programs and funding specifically targeted at economic development, consult DCA’s Economic Development Financing Packet. Some of the more frequently-used economic development financing programs include the EIP (Employment Incentive Program), REBA (Regional Business Assistance Grants), and RAP (Regional Assistance Program).

Employment Incentive Program (EIP)
Non-entitlement county and city governments are eligible to apply for EIP funding for projects expected to create and enhance job opportunities. Emphasis is placed on job creation for low to moderate income persons as well as private sector investment to leverage EIP funds. Vist the GDCA website for more information

EIP

Regional Economic Business Assistance (REBA)
City and county governments, in addition to regional development centers, development authorities and state agencies, are eligible to apply for REBA grants. A variety of activities are eligible, including economic development projects, public infrastructure, trade and commerce activities, transportation systems necessary for economic development as well as multi-county planning and development efforts.

Regional Assistance Program (RAP)
City and county governments, regional development centers, and development authorities are eligible to apply for RAP grants. Eligible activities include projects that are jointly owned and/or operated by two or more counties or programs serving multiple jurisdictions. Applications are competitive and are accepted during one time of the year during a single round of competition. Vist the GDCA website for more information

RAP

General Guidelines for Initiating an Application for State Economic Development Funding
Before applying for any of the funding programs mentioned above, it is necessary for a city or county government to have some basic groundwork laid for proposed project. At a bare minimum, the application package for all three programs will require the following items:

• a reliable cost estimate of the project, with amounts for basic cost categories (i.e. construction, administration, land acquisition, etc.), preferably calculated by a certified engineer;
• an accurate budget of the amount and source of all funds required to pay for all project costs;
• a reasonable estimate of the number of jobs expected to be retained and/or created by the proposed project; and
• evidence of the applicant’’s ownership of, or title to, the property or assets to be constructed or improved with DCA program funding.

These are general guidelines intended for advice on project start-up. For specific instructions on submitting a complete application package for these programs, please contact the Economic Development and Transportation Director at (706)369-5650.

Economic development often is impacted by the availability of public infrastructure and waste disposal facilities. GEFA offers a variety of financing programs, funded by state and federal monies, to assist city and county governments with the construction of infrastructure that impacts environmental health. Below is a summary of the financing programs managed by GEFA.

• Georgia Fund –– a state-funded loan program for water and sewer facilities, offering very favorable terms (long pay periods and low interest rates)
• State Revolving Loan Fund (SRLF) –– federally-funded loans, financed at low interest rates and pay periods of up to twenty years, for water quality and drinking water projects
• Recycling and Solid Waste Management Program –– low-interest loans for solid waste capital projects and grants for waste reduction and recycling equipment
• Financing for other projects - environmental emergency, construction, and energy projects

Vist the GEFA website for more details.

GEFA