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By September 30th of this year, EDA will announce the recipients of the final phase of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC). This $1 billion competition is the largest economic development program in the nation in the last decade, and the marquee program of EDA’s American Rescue Plan programs. BBBRC is an evolution in EDA’s approach, providing communities with larger investments to grow regional industry clusters and incentivizing strong partnership and coalition engagement.
The selection process is ongoing, but I am extremely impressed with the 60 finalists’ work thus far to build strong coalitions, create unique collaborations, and develop collective visions for their region’s economic future. [Read More]
Alejandra Y. Castillo
Assistant Secretary of Commerce
for Economic Development
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Strengthening Entrepreneurship in America
The Department of Commerce has reestablishing the National Advisory Council on Innovation & Entrepreneurship (NACIE). The 32 leaders and experts will be charged with developing a National Entrepreneurship Strategy to strengthen America’s ability to compete and win as the world’s leading startup nation and the world’s leading innovator in critical emerging technologies. [Read more]
Rural Resource Guide
A joint resource guide from EDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development outlines programs and services that can be used to advance community and economic development in rural communities. [Read more]
Before You Apply
The deadline to apply for EDA’s FY22 Build to Scale program is June 13, 2022. EDA has compiled some tips and resources for a successful grant applicant. [Read more]
Honoring AANHPI Month
The month of May is a time to celebrate the achievements of Asian Americans and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders and recognize their important contributions to the economic strength and vitality of the United States. [Read more]
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Tremendous Demand for EDA Programs
Due to the high volume of competitive applications for EDA’s $3 Billion American Rescue Plan programs, all ARP programs are now closed for applications. The high oversubscription rates for these programs are pronounced and reflect the tremendous needs for continued economic relief in American communities. EDA has received applications for ARP programs totaling five times the amount of funding available. [Read more]
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LOUISIANA
Keeping Pharmacy Open
A pharmacist in Louisiana was determined to keep his store open and prevent residents from having to travel 25 miles to a new store. A new owner took over, thanks in part to an EDA-funded Revolving Loan Fund, only to face the challenges of a hurricane. [Read more]
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NORTH DAKOTA
Preparing Healthcare Workers
Specialized equipment and resources are creating new opportunities for students at Bismarck State College. Students are learning and training on the same equipment they will use in the workforce and the equipment is also providing an unanticipated benefit to the community. [Read more]
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SOUTH CAROLINA
Building an Economic Ecosystem
A unique collaboration in South Carolina is creating new opportunities for workforce development, small business support, and co-working spaces benefitting entrepreneurs and start-ups. The Opportunity Center is a collaborative space serving the entire state and helping to build an economic ecosystem for entrepreneurs of color. [Read more]
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WASHINGTON
Recycling Carbon Fiber
A non-profit in Washington state is the world’s first carbon fiber manufacturing plant, intercepting uncured carbon fiber surplus destined for landfills and recycling it into innovative new products. The Composite Recycling Technology Center was established in part from a $500,000 EDA Build to Scale investment and makes pickleball paddles, parts for orthotic braces, and more. [Read more]
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