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As the county continues to grow, the need to support local businesses, attract investment, and promote economic development becomes increasingly vital. A Chamber of Commerce serves as a bridge—connecting entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and residents to resources and opportunities. By fostering collaboration and advocacy, the Chamber plays a key role in helping Benton County thrive in today’s competitive economic landscape while preserving the values that define its history.
Discover Benton County
Rooted in History, Growing Toward Tomorrow
Discover Benton County
Join the Benton County Chamber of Commerce and be part of a united effort to shape Benton County into one of Mississippi’s most vibrant and business-friendly communities.
Established in 1870, Benton County, Mississippi, was formed from portions of Tippah and Marshall counties and named in honor of U.S. Senator Thomas Hart Benton. Rooted in rich agricultural traditions and a strong sense of community, Benton County has evolved steadily while maintaining its rural charm and cultural heritage.
P:hoto: Wolf River Swamp, North Mississippi
In Loving Memory of Adam Grubbs
We remember and honor Adam Grubbs, whose positive impact on countless communities will continue to inspire us. His commitment to improving lives will never be forgotten, and his legacy lives on in the work we do together.
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Adam Grubbs served as the Deputy State Director at the USDA Rural Development.
Statewide Residential Safe Room Grant Program
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The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) offers reimbursement grants to homeowners for FEMA-compliant safe room installations. This program is available in all 82 counties of Mississippi and is funded by FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
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Application Period: October 31 - November 30, 2025
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Lottery Process: After the application period ends, a lottery will determine grant recipients. MEMA will grant 38 selections per county. If not all grants are claimed, a second lottery will be held.
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How to Apply: Homeowners must submit an online application. Grants are 75% of eligible costs, up to $3,500.
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Eligibility: Available to homeowners of primary residences (single-family homes). Manufactured homes are eligible if the land is owned by the applicant.
Grant Process:
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Application Submission: Complete the application on MEMA’s website. Click: https://my.msema.org/site/saferoom.cfm
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Lottery Draw: Winners notified by email for further application steps.
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Reimbursement: Applicants pay upfront and are reimbursed after safe room installation, inspection, and approval.
Requirements:
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New safe rooms only.
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Blueprints must meet FEMA P-320 and ICC-500 standards, sealed by a licensed Mississippi engineer.
For more details and to apply, visit the MEMA Safe Room Application page.
NEWS FEATURE
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Building a Brighter Future: Local Leaders Discuss Economic Opportunities for Benton County
Top community and political leaders convened last November 18 and 20 to discuss strategies for boosting economic opportunities and investment in Benton County. Andrinetta Howard, Executive Director of Benton County Chamber of Commerce, led a high-level meeting with U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Congressman Trent Kelly, and representatives from the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA).
Howard was accompanied by Alesia Evans, President of the MS Area Community Action Agency, underscoring the collaborative approach between community services and economic development initiatives.
Focus on Local Growth and Investment
The discussion centered on leveraging federal resources and state programs to stimulate job creation, support existing local businesses, and attract new industries to the county.
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Infrastructure and Broadband: A key topic was the need for improved infrastructure, particularly high-speed internet access, which is crucial for modern economic competitiveness and connecting rural communities.
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Small Business Support: The leaders explored ways the MDA could provide more direct support and resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Benton County, a vital sector for local employment.
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Workforce Development: Conversations also focused on workforce training programs to ensure local residents have the skills required for potential new jobs in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and healthcare, which are growing industries in the region.
Congressman Kelly emphasized their commitment to securing federal funding and advocating for policies that empower rural counties like Benton to thrive economically. MDA representatives outlined available state programs and technical assistance designed to facilitate business expansion and relocation.
"This collaboration is a significant step forward," she said. "By working closely with our federal and state partners, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable economic prosperity that will transform Benton County for years to come." The group agreed to continue a coordinated effort to identify and pursue viable projects that will bring lasting economic growth to the region.
Building a Brighter Future: Local Leaders Discuss Economic Opportunities for Benton County
GRANT PROGRAMS
Statewide Residential Safe Room Grant Program Overview
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The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) offers reimbursement grants to homeowners for FEMA-compliant safe room installations. This program is available in all 82 counties of Mississippi and is funded by FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
-
Application Period: October 31 - November 30, 2025
-
Lottery Process: After the application period ends, a lottery will determine grant recipients. MEMA will grant 38 selections per county. If not all grants are claimed, a second lottery will be held.
-
How to Apply: Homeowners must submit an online application. Grants are 75% of eligible costs, up to $3,500.
-
Eligibility: Available to homeowners of primary residences (single-family homes). Manufactured homes are eligible if the land is owned by the applicant.
Grant Process:
-
Application Submission: Complete the application on MEMA’s website. Click: https://my.msema.org/site/saferoom.cfm
-
Lottery Draw: Winners notified by email for further application steps.
-
Reimbursement: Applicants pay upfront and are reimbursed after safe room installation, inspection, and approval.
Requirements:
-
New safe rooms only.
-
Blueprints must meet FEMA P-320 and ICC-500 standards, sealed by a licensed Mississippi engineer.
For more details and to apply, visit the MEMA Safe Room Application page.
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Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for small businesses and private nonprofit organizations (PNPs) in Kentucky affected by the drought on September 16, 2025. The disaster declaration includes Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Marshall, McCracken, and Trigg counties in Kentucky, as well as Mississippi and New Madrid counties in Missouri, and Henry, Lake, Obion, Stewart, and Weakley counties in Tennessee.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible businesses, agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses directly due to the drought. Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers are not eligible for these loans, except for aquaculture enterprises. EIDLs are designed to cover working capital needs, such as payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that have not been paid due to the economic effects of the disaster. These loans are available even if the business did not sustain physical damage.
Eligible Areas: The disaster declaration covers the counties of Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Marshall, McCracken and Trigg in Kentucky, Mississippi and New Madrid counties in Missouri as well as Henry, Lake, Obion, Stewart and Weakley counties in Tennessee.
Loan Details:
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Maximum Loan Amount: Up to $2 million
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Interest Rates: As low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs
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Loan Terms: Up to 30 years with payments due 12 months after loan disbursement.
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Uses: Working capital, payroll, fixed debts, accounts payable, and other bills affected by the disaster.
Eligibility:
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Available to small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with economic losses due to the drought.
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Aquaculture businesses are eligible, but farmers and ranchers are not, except for those involved in aquaculture.
How to Apply:
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Online at sba.gov/disaster
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For more information, call SBA’s Customer Service at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
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Application Deadline: May 18, 2026
For more details, visit sba.gov.
Statewide Residential Safe Room Grant Program
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) offers reimbursement grants to homeowners for FEMA-compliant safe room installations. This program is available in all 82 counties of Mississippi and is funded by FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
-
Application Period: October 31 - November 30, 2025
-
Lottery Process: After the application period ends, a lottery will determine grant recipients. MEMA will grant 38 selections per county. If not all grants are claimed, a second lottery will be held.
-
How to Apply: Homeowners must submit an online application. Grants are 75% of eligible costs, up to $3,500.
-
Eligibility: Available to homeowners of primary residences (single-family homes). Manufactured homes are eligible if the land is owned by the applicant.
Grant Process:
-
Application Submission: Complete the application on MEMA’s website. Click: https://my.msema.org/site/saferoom.cfm
-
Lottery Draw: Winners notified by email for further application steps.
-
Reimbursement: Applicants pay upfront and are reimbursed after safe room installation, inspection, and approval.
Requirements:
-
New safe rooms only.
-
Blueprints must meet FEMA P-320 and ICC-500 standards, sealed by a licensed Mississippi engineer.
For more details and to apply, visit the MEMA Safe Room Application page.
Here are insights that matter :
20%
of small businesses
fail within their first year, and nearly 50% fail by year five.
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
This section provides data-driven updates and key findings about the economy, businesses, and community. Backed by credible reports and research, these insights help residents, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers stay informed and make strategic choices.
29%
of startups
fail due to cash flow issues, and another 17% fail from poor marketing.
(CB Insights)
86%
of small business owners
say they’d benefit from outside guidance—but only a fraction actively seek consulting help.
(Guidant Financial)
Andrinetta R. Howard, MTH, MBA
Executive Director
At Benton County Chamber of Commerce...
We believe that business success is rooted in relationships, education, and action. Our team meets you where you are, builds custom strategies, and connects you with the resources you need to succeed.
Share Your Photos. Share Our Story.
We’re always looking for great photos to feature in our newsletter and online platforms. If you’ve attended a local event or captured something special in the community, send it our way! Please include event name, date, and location.
share your photos, share our story.
We’re always looking for great photos to feature in our newsletter and online platforms. If you’ve attended a local event or captured something special in the community, send it our way! Please include event name, date, and location.
Because of these partnerships, we are able to help make Benton County a vibrant place to live, work, and prosper!
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