Launched in 1993, the Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community (EZ/EC) Initiative is an interagency effort focused on the creation of self-sustaining, long-term development in distressed urban and rural areas throughout the Nation. The Initiative is based on a holistic, participatory approach that requires community stakeholders to work together to develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans for revitalization.  Businesses are opening or expanding, residents have greater access to jobs, services, and new economic opportunities, and crime and violence are down.

By 1994, a total of 23 urban EZs, 8 rural EZs, and 115 urban and rural ECs have been designated. In 1994, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)  designated 6 urban EZs and 65 urban ECs, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)  designated 3 rural EZs and 30 rural ECs..

The Sumter-Columbia Empowerment Zone received designation as a Round II Empowerment Zone in 1998. To date, $21.9 million of the original $100,000,000 has been allocated by Congress; the Cities of Columbia and Sumter have used the EZ designation to assist other non-profits; agencies and other businesses in receiving funding that will benefit the EZ residents. In keeping with the goal of empowering individuals and neighborhoods, various communities will initiate SCEZ programs.

The SCEZ Board is forging partnerships with groups to provide lifelong economic growth for neighborhoods and families. Neighborhood residents are promoting active citizen participation in empowering residents in creating friendships among neighbors, community ownership and leadership, and shared responsibilities. Community empowerment is resulting in exciting private/public partnerships. Children are thriving among people who care and who pursue dreams of educational and personal achievement. By the end of 2008, the SCEZ will be a compelling example of community revitalization.

Round II EZ's Eligible Activities
•Job creation within the community
•Entrepreneurial Initiatives
•Small Business Expansion
•Job Training
•Job Support Services
•Administrative Functions

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM REPORT (PERMS)
1999      2000      2001     2002     2003     2004

2005