The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration announced an investment of $794,472 to help connect businesses in Georgia’s underserved areas and those affected by the reduction of coal use.
The Enterprise Network for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Georgia Southern University Research and Service Foundation Inc. in Statesboro, Ga., will use the grant funds to install interactive conference and virtual receptionist equipment at 27 sites across the state, according to a Jan. 17 news release. This will help provide a connection with business support programs and other partners to the community to boost the economy in the area.
“Georgia Southern University plays an important role in delivering vital technical assistance to communities and businesses in Georgia as an EDA University Center grantee,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo said in the release. “This program will expand the capacity of the university to connect businesses and entrepreneurs in rural and underserved communities with university programs and other economic development authorities to support business growth in a region impacted by the declining use of coal.”
The Assistance to Coal Communities initiative funded the project, the release reported. Funds are awarded by the EDA to help communities that have been affected by the shift away from coal power, for things like job creation, capital investment, workforce development and re-employment chances. The Coastal Regional Commission of Georgia helped bring about the project and the investment made by the EDA will be matched locally in the amount of $198,618.
Sen. Raphael Warnock praised the usage of funds, saying that he will continue to help the small business in the state of Georgia thrive, according to the release.
“I am laser-focused on creating jobs, supporting local businesses and securing federal resources for our state that keep our economy moving forward, so I’m thrilled to see these investments flow to Georgia Southern University’s Research and Service Foundation,” Warnock said in the release. “I’ll keep working to strengthen these and other critical investments in Georgia’s small business sector to help keep our economy strong.”
