Projects funded cover the entire spectrum of economic development initiatives including human development, industrial, commercial, and retail programs. The geography of Boston's Empowerment Zone is the same as the city's Enhanced Enterprise Community. The Empowerment Zone, like the Enhanced Enterprise Community, was established to generate economic self-sufficiency for Empowerment Zone residents through job creation and human development programming. Human development programming is the primary focus of the Empowerment Zone strategic plan. These programs are designed to prepare residents of the Empowerment Zone for employment opportunities that are created within the Empowerment Zone and throughout the city.
Funding is made available through open and competitive bid process.
Notices of the availability of RFPs are advertised in local community newspapers and the City Record. Once a notice is published, community based organizations may then respond to the RFP to provide specific human development services for residents of the Empowerment Zone. The Board of Directors of BCI develops and approves the policy regarding RFPs. BCI and EDIC staff manages the RFP process and makes recommendations to the Board for funding. Once funded, community based organizations are responsible for recruiting Empowerment Zone residents to participate in their specific education or skills training program.