Entergy Mississippi has announced the recipients of its 2026 economic development grants, marking the 10th year of the company’s Excellerator Competitive Communities program. The initiative is designed to help communities within the company’s service area attract new businesses and jobs while expanding existing growth.
For the 2026 cycle, the program is awarding a total of $82,500. This latest round of funding brings the Excellerator program’s total lifetime investment in Mississippi communities to $752,500 over the past decade.
2026 Grant Recipients
Entergy Mississippi stated that nine communities in its service area will receive grants. The recipients identified include:
- Natchez Inc
- Cleveland-Bolivar Chamber of Commerce
- Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation
- Hinds County Economic Development Authority
- Jefferson Davis County Economic Development District
- Pike County Economic Development District
- Rankin First Economic Development Authority
- Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce
The company recognized the award winners during an event held in Greenwood.
Strategic Objectives and Economic Impact
The grant funds are intended to support strategic planning, the development of marketing materials, and site readiness to make local communities more attractive to outside industry. According to the company, these investments help organizations prepare for growth opportunities that can result in increased tax revenues and the creation of quality jobs.
“At a time when large companies are continuing to look at Mississippi for possible expansion of their businesses, these grants can help our communities highlight the things that make them a business-friendly option,”
Ed Gardner, Entergy Mississippi vice president of business and economic development
Gardner noted that the current recipients are organizations that are strategically investing in their communities to ensure future economic impacts.
“This year’s recipients represent forward-thinking organizations that are strategically investing in their communities for future economic impacts. Entergy Mississippi is proud to partner with these communities to prepare for growth opportunities with quality jobs and tax revenues.”
Ed Gardner, Entergy Mississippi vice president of business and economic development