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NATCHEZ — Five communities in Entergy Mississippi’s service area will receive the company’s annual economic development grant to help boost business growth in their communities. Natchez Inc. is one of those grant recipients.

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 nearly $50,000 in grants to support digital marketing and economic development training. The recipients include the Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation, Greater Grenada County Partnership, Natchez, Inc., Southwest Mississippi Partnership, 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.”

Over eight years, the program has awarded more than $600,000 to more than 20 Mississippi communities. The grants have assisted with strategic planning, site readiness, and promotion.

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/.