New Pilot Program To Encourage High-Tech Remote Workers

THE SHOALS-Up to $175,000 of SEDF funds have been approved by the SEDA Board of Directors and the Shoals Industrial Development Committee (SEDC) for a new pilot program intended to encourage high-tech remote workers to relocate to the Shoals. The Remote Worker Incentive Program (RWIP) is designed to spark new economic activity and encourage growth in the Shoals’ workforce, specifically targeting the cyber and technology industry. The goal of the program is to encourage professionals to relocate and work remotely from the Shoals and take advantage of the area’s low cost of living and great quality of life. The RWIP provides an opportunity to recruit new high paying full-time employment positions by providing incentives for employees instead of companies.

The RWIP will provide a funding source to incentivize up to ten full-time employees to relocate and remotely work from the Shoals. Applications will be accepted via an online application process. Applicants meeting the eligibility requirements will go through a selection process involving a video interview and a visit to the Shoals. Once the remote worker has been accepted and agreed to the terms of the RWIP, a relocation incentive will be provided that will be based on the applicant’s salary. Maximum funding of up to $10,000 will be distributed over the course of one year to each eligible RWIP participant.

The program has been developed to be a partnership between the Shoals Economic Development Authority and the Shoals Chamber of Commerce. Additional information will be available soon.