Rural Development State Director Mary Ruth Tackett and University of Tennessee Martin Chancellor Dr. Tom Rakes today announced a Rural Development investment of $49,927 for the expansion of business-education resources at the Regional Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (REED) Center. The announcement took place at the REED Center in Martin.
“Education is at the heart of economic development and small-business development, which is why UT Martin and the REED Center are so important to the economic vitality of this Region,” said Tackett. “Thanks to the support of our congressional delegation Rural Development has the financial resources necessary to help expand educational opportunities for the entrepreneurs who will be creating good new jobs.”
The Rural Development Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) of $49,927 will be used to expand the REED Center’s service area and increase the number and range-of-expertise of small business consultants working with the Center. New expertise will be added in the fields of eCommerce, business software, market research, and basic financial literacy. Based on past performance, Center staff expects these additional resources to ultimately assist small businesses create 100 new jobs in northwest Tennessee and southwest Kentucky.
“This is an important investment as we continue building on the economic development and job growth of northwest Tennessee. The partnerships between our community, business owners and UT-Martin help the business leaders of today and tomorrow learn to utilize the tools that are necessary to succeed.” Rep. Tanner said in a statement.
Rural Development rural business enterprise grants provide assistance to public or not-for-profit organizations to support economic development projects that assist small businesses, expand local business infrastructure, provide job training, conduct feasibility studies or provide technical assistance to businesses and community leaders.
Others participating in the events included Sen. Lamar Alexander’s field representative Matt Varino, Sen. Bob Corker’s field representative Jane Jolley, Rep. John Tanner’s field representative Brad Thompson, Weakley County Mayor Houston Patrick, Martin Mayor Randy Brundige, REED Center Coordinator Hollie Holt, RD Area Director Bobby Goode and Area Specialist Van Wylie.
WCP 12.06.07