Economic development practitioners now have a more powerful tool for understanding their communities’ economic strengths and vulnerabilities, thanks to the newly enhanced National Economic Resilience Data Explorer (NERDE). In addition to more capabilities, the new edition of NERDE provides more types of data, including: metrics on patent claims and Small Business Innovation Research grants, data and maps regarding potential risks to communities posed by climate change, and U.S. Census trade data at the state level. NERDE first launched as a partnership between EDA and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory in 2022. Since then, both the number of users and scope of its resources have grown tremendously. On March 18, Argonne National Laboratory will host a webinar to introduce users to the new NERDE.
EDA-Supported Tech Accelerator Accepts Applications from Pacific Northwest Startups
RAIN Catalysts is accepting applications for its first EDA-supported tech accelerator. The program is accepting 50 applicants from entrepreneurs starting or growing a technology company in Washington or Oregon. . The 10-week session will include access to mentors, as well as opportunities to connect with experts, funders, and potential customers. The deadline to apply is March 11. Learn more and apply here.
Manufacturing An American Century
Are you listening to Manufacturing an American Century? The official podcast of the American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative, an EDA-supported Community of Practice, Manufacturing an American Century features a boots-on-the-ground perspective of the people and places working hard toward their region’s sustainable development goals. Episodes also include interviews with thought leaders who are making the case for a national policy that recognizes the need to build a healthy ecosystem of regional supporters for American manufacturing to truly thrive. Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Early Analysis of Equity Within Good Jobs Challenge Programs
Recently, EDA partnered with the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute and the New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN) to document and elevate the efforts of Good Jobs Challenge grantees are taking to advance equity and ensure strong outcomes for all communities. Their first report, “Three Spheres of Equity in Workforce Development Programs: An Early Analysis of Equity Within Good Jobs Challenge Programs,” is an important and insightful look into equity across programming in the Good Jobs Challenge. Read the full report here.
