Incentives - Forward Sumner

Forward Sumner Economic Partnership (FSEP) is dedicated to assisting businesses in navigating the comprehensive range of incentives available at the local, state, and regional levels. Below, explore key Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) programs, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) incentives, and Sumner County-specific opportunities designed to help businesses thrive in our community.

Our Key Partners & Supporters

Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (TNECD)

FastTrack Development Program (2025 Updates)

The FastTrack program remains a key incentive to support businesses creating new jobs and investing in Tennessee. Funding is determined by the number of full-time positions, wages, and the amount of capital investment. FastTrack consists of three main components:

FastTrack Economic Development Fund (F-EDF): Public infrastructure improvements and training facilities.
FastTrack Job Training Assistance (F-JTA): Direct reimbursement for staff training.
FastTrack Infrastructure Development (F-IDG): Funding for infrastructure upgrades to support new or expanding industries.

Application Tip: Contact TNECD early to assess eligibility and discuss projected job creation, wages, and capital investment details.

Job Tax Credits (JTC) & Enhanced Credits (2025)

Tennessee’s Job Tax Credits incentivize businesses to create new jobs and invest in the state. Credits can be carried forward for up to 25 years (extended from 15), making them highly flexible for larger-scale projects.

Standard JTC: Based on job creation, wage levels, and county tier status.
Enhanced Credits: Higher rates for businesses locating in Tier 2, Tier 3, or Tier 4 Enhancement Counties.
Carryforward Period: 25 years for credits earned in tax years ending on or after December 31, 2008.

Site Development Grants

TNECD invests in site development to prepare industrial properties for new businesses:

Maximum Grant: $5,000,000
Due Diligence Grants: Up to $100,000
Eligibility: Governmental entities, such as city or county IDBs
Application Deadline: March 27, 2025
Awards Announced: June 2025

Broadband & Community Development Programs

TNECD’s broadband grants encourage connectivity and digital equity statewide:

Last Mile Grant: $60 million allocated; covers 70% of eligible broadband deployment expenses.
Broadband Ready Communities (BRC): Up to $100,000 for digital opportunity activities.
Digital Skills, Education, & Workforce Development (DSEW): Up to $1 million for training efforts.
Downtown Improvement Grants: Up to $300,000 for main street revitalizations.

Learn more at TNECD’s official website .

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Incentives

Investment Credit Program

Designed to stimulate economic growth, the TVA Investment Credit Program provides incentive credits for qualifying power customers. These credits can offset power bills over a five-year period.

Eligibility: New or expanded load commitments of at least 250 kW.
Duration: Up to 5 years of credit application.

Valley Incentive Program (VIP)

A performance-based program supporting projects that create jobs and significant capital investment. Funds may be used for site preparation and infrastructure upgrades.

Benefit: Flexible funding to support job creation, capital investments, and community development in TVA service areas.

Economic Development Loan Fund

Low-interest loan opportunities to help communities attract and retain jobs. Funds can be utilized for industrial building construction, acquisition, or infrastructure improvements.

InvestPrep™ Program

Helps communities perform due diligence, site acquisition, and improvements to fast-track industrial development. Ideal for both publicly and privately owned sites with appropriate agreements.

Visit TVA Economic Development to learn more about eligibility and current updates.

Sumner County Incentives & Advantages

Forward Sumner Economic Partnership works closely with local government, TNECD, and TVA to leverage county-specific incentives and funding resources. From site readiness to workforce development grants, Sumner County offers strategic advantages for growing businesses.

Key Advantages

Proximity: Access to 75% of U.S. markets within a day’s drive.
Skilled Workforce: Robust training programs through local community colleges and special industry initiatives.
Competitive Taxes: Alignment with state-level tax incentives and job credits.
Infrastructure & Growth: Ongoing site development and broadband expansion efforts.

Local Grants & Workforce Development

Sumner County has secured significant funding for workforce training initiatives, including specialized grants for heavy-duty equipment operator training, digital skills development, and data analytics. In addition, ARPA funds are fueling local economic recovery projects through 2026.

$400,000 for special industry training (July 2023–December 2026)
$600,000 for digital tools and technology access (July 2023–December 2026)
$250,000 for customized community data & analytics (July 2023–December 2026)

For specific county programs and grants, contact Forward Sumner .

Ready to Explore Incentives for Your Business?

Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or an international company considering expansion, our team at Forward Sumner is here to guide you through the vast array of grants, tax credits, and development programs. Let us help you navigate the best solutions for your project and vision.

Note: Incentive programs and eligibility requirements may change. Please check with TNECD, TVA, and Sumner County officials for the most up-to-date information.