Warren County is among 10 counties who recently received a $10,000 portion from $75,000 in grants from Entergy Mississippi for projects to make them more competitive among companies looking to establish or expand their operations.

The award from Entergy Mississippi will be used for website development, design, layout, writing, video production and graphics, as well as integration with Entergy’s existing sites and buildings database.

In its second year, Entergy’s Excellerator Competitive Communities program helps fund environmental site assessments, website development, marketing and more.

Mississippi communities already have advantages like proximity to major waterways and interstate systems, low cost of living and low utility rates, but with Entergy’s expertise and financial support, these communities can improve their site readiness, marketing and other key areas that will help them further stand out to prospective businesses.

“When our communities win, we all win,” Ed Gardner, Entergy Mississippi director of business and economic development, said. “That’s why we’re trying to make them as competitive as possible through grants that will let them address specific needs at their industrial sites or through their marketing programs.”

In addition to assessments and grants, the Excellerator program offers training and workshops to all counties in Entergy’s service area. The Entergy Mississippi economic development team conducts community assessments annually so communities can prepare for the grant cycle each year.

“We’re investing in our communities so our customers can have opportunities without having to leave the state,” said Gardner. “It’s about more than enhancing economic development. Through this program, we’re helping people stay and thrive in Mississippi.”

Other winning counties are Claiborne, Grenada, Madison, Montgomery, Pike, Tate, Tunica, Walthall and Washington.