Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. (FSEDI) was incorporated in August of 2005 as an economic development organization to serve the residents of the City of Franklin and Southampton County. After much planning and studying, the Franklin Southampton Alliance agreed a consolidated and unified effort by the city, county and private sector was needed. Over the past ten years Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. has made great strides in putting together an effective economic development organization addressing our core economic development mission and goals for the community. Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. focuses on four main areas including the retention of existing industry, business attraction, entrepreneurship and tourism.

Existing Business:

• Understand a company's goals and what services and products they offer
• Identify customer, supplier, and workforce concerns
• Provide a network of contacts who may assist in business operations
• Identify the local business climate and bureaucratic issues which need resolving
• Assist existing companies with expansion projects and downsizing
• Coordinate educational programs to help support existing business development
• Act as a liaison for existing business between local and state government

Business Attraction:

• Market available property, incentives and community information to local, state and national brokers, consultants and companies.
• Provide reliable and up to date business/statistical information
• Identify and maintain a database of available sites and buildings
• Network with appropriate local, regional and state development organizations
• Attend target industry sector tradeshows and conferences
• Provide a reliable and educated workforce
• Act as a liaison for new business between local and state government

Entrepreneurship:

• Assist with business planning
• Assist with establishing networking opportunities
• Connect entrepreneurs with industry mentors
• Provide training programs/workshops
• Market the Franklin Business Center and services offered 

Tourism:

• Provide information about tourism opportunities
• Market, promote and sponsor local tourism initiatives
• Network with appropriate local, regional and state tourism organizations
• Attend targeted tourism conferences