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Athens Texas Economic Development Corporation

Name: Athens Texas Economic Development Corporation
Address: 201 W Corsicana Street, Ste 3, Athens, TX, 75751, US
Telephone: +19036754617

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Creating jobs and increasing the tax base are the top priorities for Athens Economic Development Corporation.

It is our mission to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Athens, Texas by leading and facilitating economic growth. We support business attraction, formation, retention and expansion in the city of Athens. Our goal is to create quality job opportunities, encourage growth and development, and make Athens a desirable place to build a life and a business. Athens offers competitive incentives, available land and a skilled workforce. Strategically located in East Texas, Athens is only an hour drive southeast of Dallas.

10/13/2026

Athens EDC Board member Beverly Peek and Community Development Manager Donna Meredith joined economic development professionals from across Texas at the Texas Economic Development Council’s 2026 Annual Conference, held Oct. 7-9 in Houston.

The conference focused on workforce development, economic growth, and emerging opportunities across the state. Topics included six major sectors of the Texas economy: life sciences, commercial space activity, advanced manufacturing, financial services, energy, and data centers.

The annual conference provided an opportunity to learn about statewide economic trends and connect with other communities working to attract businesses, support employers, and strengthen their local economies.

Photo: East Texas representatives included officials from Athens, Palestine, Longview, Whitehouse, Kilgore, and Henderson gather during the Texas Economic Development Council’s annual conference in Houston.

10/12/2026

AEDC announces FY 2027 grant opportunities

The Athens Economic Development Corporation is accepting applications for three grant programs supporting local businesses, community development, and workforce training.

⮞ The Business Assistance Grant Program helps new or existing businesses make physical improvements to their properties. Eligible projects include façade improvements, property improvements and demolition. Learn more and apply here: https://athenstexasedc.com/180/Business-Assistance-Grant

⮞ The Community Development Grant Program supports projects that enhance quality of life in Athens while advancing the mission of the AEDC. Eligible projects may include cultural, sports, entertainment, tourism, parks and other community development efforts. Learn more and apply here: https://athenstexasedc.com/182/Community-Development-Grant

⮞ The Workforce Development Grant Program helps Athens employers invest in their workforce through internships, apprenticeships, employee training, and education. Learn more and apply here: https://athenstexasedc.com/221/Workforce-Development-Grant

10/02/2026

City Manager Elizabeth Borstad and Community Development Manager Donna Meredith recently got a firsthand look at a new home being manufactured right here in Athens.

Borstad and Meredith visited the East Texas State Fair to tour “The Rose,” a new modular home offered by Pratt Homes of Tyler and built at the Champion Homes facility in Athens.

Pratt Homes designed the two-story home as a more attainable option for families looking to become homeowners. The Rose includes more than 1,600 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, two living areas, and 2½ bathrooms.

The company says the design is intended to balance the cost of homeownership with features families want, while keeping long-term maintenance and energy costs in mind.

The visit gave Athens officials an opportunity to learn more about modular housing and how this type of construction could fit into broader discussions about housing needs in the community.

Photo: Pratt Homes President Reg Jones, Community Development Manager Donna Meredith and City Manager Elizabeth Borstad tour “The Rose” at the East Texas State Fair.

10/01/2026

The Athens Economic Development Corporation is accepting applications for three grant programs supporting local businesses, community development, and workforce training.

➡ Business Assistance Grant Program

The Business Assistance Grant Program helps new or existing businesses make physical improvements to their properties. Eligible projects include façade improvements, property improvements and demolition.

Grants reimburse 75 percent of approved project costs, up to $20,000 per applicant. Applications are due Oct. 31, 2026, and projects must be completed by Aug. 31, 2027.

Learn more and apply here: https://athenstexasedc.com/180/Business-Assistance-Grant

➡ Community Development Grant Program

The Community Development Grant Program supports projects that enhance quality of life in Athens while advancing the mission of the AEDC. Eligible projects may include cultural, sports, entertainment, tourism, parks and other community development efforts.

Applicants must have been in operation within the Athens city limits for at least two years. Applications are due May 1, 2027. Approved projects must be completed within one year or as outlined in the performance agreement.

Learn more and apply here: https://athenstexasedc.com/182/Community-Development-Grant

➡ Workforce Development Grant Program

The Workforce Development Grant Program helps Athens employers invest in their workforce through internships, apprenticeships, employee training, and education.

Funding is available for up to 200 hours for skilled-trade internships and apprenticeship programs. Childcare centers may also seek support for employees pursuing qualifying higher education programs, with up to $1,000 per semester for no more than two semesters, subject to AEDC Board approval.

Applications are due Nov. 30, 2026, and training and required documentation must be completed by Aug. 31, 2027.

Learn more and apply here: https://athenstexasedc.com/221/Workforce-Development-Grant

07/24/2026

The Athens Economic Development Corporation approved its fiscal year 2027 Strategic Plan on Tuesday, setting its priorities for the coming year.

The plan focuses on providing opportunities for businesses to grow, helping employers find trained workers, and making Athens a place where people want to live and work.

A major part of the plan involves the Athens Municipal Airport and Athens Industrial Park.

The City is moving forward with a runway expansion at the airport using $14 million approved by the Texas Legislature. AEDC plans to support the project with land, funding, and other assistance.

At the industrial park, the AEDC plans to create more construction-ready lots and improve the entrances and exits. The work would enhance traffic flow and safety while making more land available for new businesses.

The AEDC also wants to create clearer connections between local students, schools, and employers. The plan calls for job training shaped by local employers, internships, student visits to local industries, and more direct communication between educators and businesses.

During fiscal year 2026, AEDC committed more than $93,000 through Business Assistance Grants and more than $166,000 through Community Development Grants. It also worked on airport expansion, industrial park planning, child care, housing information, and worker training.

AEDC approves a new strategic plan each year. The fiscal year 2027 plan must still be approved by the Athens City Council before taking effect.

07/15/2026

Angela Napps of Cotton Patch Cafe, left, stopped by the Athens Partnership Center on Tuesday with a butter cake to thank the public servants who work there. Athens Community Development Manager Donna Meredith returned the kindness with a few gifts for Angela.

It was a simple exchange, but it showed the gratitude and support that help make Athens a strong community.

The Athens Partnership Center is home to the Athens Economic Development Corporation, Greater Athens TX Chamber, TVCC Small Business Development Center, Keep Athens Beautiful, and City of Athens, Texas Government offices.

06/19/2026

Community Development Manager Donna Meredith (right) and Athens Economic Development Corporation Board member Beverly Peek represented Athens this week at the Texas Economic Development Council’s 2026 Mid-Year Conference in Plano.

The conference brought economic development professionals from across Texas together for training, networking and discussions on issues affecting local communities. Topics included workforce development, infrastructure resilience, small business support, entrepreneurship, aerospace, artificial intelligence, site selection and data centers.

Athens Economic Development Corporation also served as a breakfast sponsor for the conference Friday, June 19.

Opportunities like this help Athens stay connected to statewide trends and bring useful ideas back home as the community continues planning for future growth.

06/17/2026

The Athens Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors met Tuesday morning, June 16, to continue work on the organization’s strategic plan and upcoming budget.

Board members discussed planning priorities, including a focus on the Athens Municipal Airport project, quality-of-life improvements and business recruitment.

The Strategic Planning Committee is expected to meet again in the next couple of weeks as board members continue offering input.

The board also heard a budget update from Athens Assistant City Manager Mandie Quigg. The AEDC is at the beginning of the budgeting process for the next fiscal year.

The work is part of AEDC’s annual planning process, which helps guide economic development efforts, business support, workforce development, infrastructure needs and long-term growth in Athens.

05/07/2026

Happy National Small Business Week! This week, we honor the entrepreneurs who power our economy and make communities vibrant places to live and work. Learn more here: https://www.sba.gov/nsbw

Address

201 W Corsicana Street, Ste 3
Athens, TX
75751

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19036754617

Website

http://www.athenstexasedc.com/

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