FROM STAFF REPORTS

A local state senator recently received an award for the work he’s done helping small businesses thrive throughout the state.

Slade Blackwell, R-Mountain Brook, received a Champion of Small Business award Sept. 13 from the National Coalition of Capital, a nationwide coalition that supports economic development and job creation through long-term access to capital for entrepreneurs, according to a press release.

The award was in recognition of Blackwell’s role in passing Alabama’s New Markets Tax Credit, which spurs investment in promising small businesses located in distressed communities throughout the state, encouraging economic development and job creation.

“Now is the time to focus on economic development and job creation in Alabama,” Blackwell said. “The New Markets Development program will draw private capital investors to our state and enable them to help small businesses flourish and entrepreneurs succeed.”

The new state program will provide $240 million of private capital for investment into qualified businesses in urban and rural areas almost immediately. The capital is required to be deployed over the next 12 to 16 months.

Blackwell represents District 15, which includes Jefferson and Shelby counties.