The Made in Tuskegee Creative Courtyard is a collaborative economic development initiative that brings together public, private, and community partners who share a commitment to rural entrepreneurship, food access, and downtown revitalization.

We welcome partnership opportunities with organizations that support small business development, historic preservation, local food systems, and Black Belt revitalization.

• City-approved architectural concept for open-air courtyard and vendor spaces
   

• Area makers, farmers, and food producers expressing vendor interest
   
• Community stakeholders supportive of downtown improvement
   

The Creative Courtyard is aligned with the goals of:

• USDA Rural Development
   
• CDBG Downtown Revitalization Programs
   
• Alabama Tourism & Cultural Initiatives
   
• Alabama Historical Commission (Historic Preservation & Tax Credits)
   
• Corporate community investment programs (Alabama Power, Regions, Hyundai, etc.)
   

We invite collaboration with:

• USDA Rural Development
   
• Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA)
   
• Macon County Economic Development partners
   
• CDBG Program Administrators
   

• Rural entrepreneurship funders
   
• Community reinvestment partners
   
• Small business and innovation programs
   
• Arts, culture, and tourism sponsors
   
• Community health and food access initiatives
   

• Entrepreneurship programs
   
• Agricultural and food system innovators
   
• Design, architecture, and community development programs
   

• Chambers of commerce
   
• Small business support groups
   
• Makers, artisans, and farmers
   
• Cultural and tourism organizations
   

Partnership in this project supports:

• Revitalization of a historic downtown building
   
• Creation of 4 micro-retail vendor spaces
   
• Expansion of food access through produce vending
   
• Strengthening of Tuskegee’s creative economy
   
• Increased tourism and visitor engagement
   
• Job creation and small business growth
   
• Community enrichment and cultural programming
   

This project is a model for rural innovation in the Black Belt and will serve as a lasting community asset.