Student and community entrepreneurs and incubators will receive financial support over the next five years thanks to a University Center grant.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded Auburn University $118,000 under the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s, or EDA, 2017 University Center Economic Development Program Competition.
EDA is providing a total of $2.7 million in grants to 22 colleges and universities in 16 states to run programs that will leverage university assets to promote American innovation and strengthen regional economies.
“As a land-grant institution, Auburn University is a long-standing and significant contributor to the State’s economy,” said Larry Fillmer, executive director of the Office of External Engagement and Support. “Funding from the EDA will enable us to expand our current efforts to link Alabama entrepreneurs and innovators with the resources they need to be successful.”
Announced in January, this year’s competition was open to higher education institutions and consortia of accredited institutions of higher education in states supported by EDA’s Atlanta and Seattle regional offices.
It funds initiatives that are focused on advancing regional commercialization efforts, entrepreneurship, innovation, business expansion in a region’s innovation cluster and a high-skilled regional workforce.
“The EDA University Center’s mission is to link university resources to community and business challenges resulting in job creation and stronger local economies,” said grant manager and GEDI’s associate director David Mixson. “We appreciate the trust EDA has in Auburn University and look forward to our continued relationship as we help improve Alabama together.”
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