REGION 2020: JOBS
WHAT
• To develop a region that creates a climate for responsible economic development
and growth with enhanced employment opportunities for residents of all ages,
including training relevant to business and industry in the region.
WHY
• To increase the number of quality jobs in the region.
• To promote economic growth in the region.
• To develop a stronger tax base to provide services to the public.
WHO SHOULD BE INVOLVED
• Citizens
• Business incubators in the region
• Small business development centers in the region
• Regional planning commissions
• Chamber of commerce in the region
• Alabama league of Municipalities
• Association of County Commissioners of Alabama
• Alabama Bankers Association
• Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Alabama Bar Association
• Business Council of Alabama
• National Federation of Independent Business
• Economic Development Partnership of Alabama
• Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
• Economic Development Association of Alabama
• Appalachian Regional Commission
• Birmingham Venture Club
• Women Business Ownership Council
• Central Alabama Minority Suppliers/Developers Council
• Biotech Association of Alabama
• University business schools
• Economic development professionals from utilities in the region
• Legislative delegation
• Potential funders
WHO WILL BENEFIT
• Citizens in the region
• County, city, and state governments
• Businesses
HOW
Strategy
Identify, develop, and communicate incentives and funding opportunities
for small business creation, retention, and expansion.
Action Steps
Region 2020 will recruit and organize a Jobs Implementation Team
representative of the region.
The Jobs Implementation Team will:
1. Determine staffing requirements and recruit a director for
the initiative.
2. Review the incentives and funding opportunities avail-able
for small business.
3. Research and benchmark results and best practices in the
region and elsewhere.
4. Complete a gap analysis to identify needs and propose appropriate
initiatives to fill the gaps
5. Communicate information on existing and new programs to
area businesses and individuals.
In reporting its results, the Jobs Implementation Team will
target individuals and entities involved or interested in
small business
creation, retention,
and expansion.
Role of Region 2020
• To recruit and organize the Jobs Implementation Team.
• To
assist in determining organizational, staffing and funding
options
for the
initiative.
Cost
$100,000 - $150,000
Further Information
See the Workgroup report for definitions and work plan
outlines
