Press Releases

Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (R-MS4) and Congressman Troy Carter (D-LA2) introduced the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program Act to increase technical assistance to organizations assisting small communities who are trying to increase business through The United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) Research and National Technical Assistance (RNTA) grant program.

"The Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program will invest in the operational and technical capacity of business district organizations, strengthening these support systems to promote job growth, build local wealth, and improve the quality of life for underserved communities and entrepreneurs in South Mississippi," Ezell said. "By providing critical technical assistance and helping these organizations access and utilize the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s RNTA grant program, we are ensuring that small communities have the resources they need to create stronger, more competitive business districts and drive long-term economic success." 

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy, and this bill is an innovative way to grow capacity in our business districts and create more equitable economic opportunities and outcomes in Louisiana and nationwide,” Carter said. “This bill would increase needed resources for many organizations in my district that conduct critical, on-the-ground work to uplift small, local businesses.”

"By strengthening existing place-making efforts and serving as a catalyst for economic growth and development by creating a sense of place and pride for the community, the Downtown Hattiesburg Association is improving the quality of life in Hattiesburg. Added resources for capacity and technical assistance to expand our work will increase our impact. We are grateful for Rep. Ezell's support to make that vision a reality." - Marlo Dorsey, Board Member, Mississippi Main Street Association and Hattiesburg Downtown Association

“As an organization dedicated to promoting, enhancing, and supporting our community’s downtown district, Main Street Pascagoula is incredibly thankful for Representative Mike Ezell’s support of the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program. We are confident that this Program will prove tremendously impactful for our community and other districts engaged in revitalization efforts, and we look forward to what the future holds.” – Susannah Northrop, Director, Main Street Pascagoula

"The Mississippi Main Street Association is thankful for Representative Ezell's leadership of this legislation. As Mississippi’s leading organization for preservation-based community and economic development, we are excited about the potential of this funding to strengthen our network of organizations committed to supporting our downtowns and small businesses." - Jim Miller, Executive Director, Mississippi Main Street Association

"Broad Community Connections is committed to creating a flourishing community, connected by its people, its businesses and its culture. To reach this vision, capacity building resources and technical assistance are vital. We applaud the introduction of the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program and are grateful for Rep. Carter's co-sponsorship of this important legislation." - Dasjon S. Jordan, Executive Director, Broad Community Connections (New Orleans)

"We applaud Representatives Ezell and Carter for introducing the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program. This program will provide critical resources to locally based, non-profit organizations that support small business ownership and economic revitalization in urban neighborhoods and rural communities across the country." - Matt Josephs, Senior Vice President for Policy, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

"Main Street America is pleased to support the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program. We thank Representatives Ezell and Carter for recognizing the critical role that business district organizations, such as Main Street programs, play in creating thriving local economies." - Erin Barnes, President and CEO, Main Street America

"Small businesses are vital contributors to the health, vitality, and identity of neighborhoods. But they are also highly vulnerable to closure and displacement, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. This bill will help to provide businesses across the country with the assistance that they need to thrive. It will help disadvantaged business owners build greater wealth and long-term stability, and ensure that the communities they serve get the goods and services they need and deserve." - Willow Lung-Amam, Ph.D., Director, Small Business Anti-Displacement Network

“Picayune Main Street’s mission is to preserve the historic character and integrity of our community’s downtown commercial and residential district, as well as to enhance the culture and quality of life through active community involvement. While we have seen successes, the additional support enabled through the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program would equip our organization to take this mission to new heights, facilitating small business growth, job creation, and enhanced quality of place for our community.” – Reba Beebe, Director, Picayune Main Street, Inc.

"Sankofa Community Development Corporation is excited about the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program to offer opportunities to strengthen economic development initiatives. We initiated the Lower Ninth Ward Main Street project in alliance with a network of organizations, community stakeholders, and local businesses. We look forward to seeing its positive impact on the growth of small businesses and revitalization of our historic commercial corridor." - Rashida Ferdinand, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sankofa Community Development Corporation

Background:

Currently, grants under RNTA are not used for capacity building assistance and pass-through funds to local entities. Additionally, there is no EDA resource dedicated to business district organizations or business districts who are already assisting these entities.

The Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program Act is expected to benefit small businesses and underserved communities by providing them with the expertise necessary to apply for RNTA grants. These grants will enable communities to fund projects that boost local economies, foster innovation, and strengthen their overall business infrastructure.