Go Forward Pine Bluff was awarded $1.5 million from a partnership program between the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
With funds provided through the EDA’s Economic Adjustment Assistance program, the DRA has invested more than $4.3 million toward three projects located in Arkansas, Alabama and Mississippi.
GFPB is the Arkansas project named, according to a news release.
The $1.5 million will go toward the development of a food and retail incubator hub, which will support and provide technical assistance to start-up businesses to facilitate independent ventures in three years or less. Funds will be used to defray costs in transforming a vacant warehouse into a restaurant hub, according to the release.
“As one of the EDA’s most flexible funding programs, the Economic Adjustment Assistance program provides for a wide range of technical, planning, and public works and infrastructure assistance in regions experiencing adverse economic changes that may occur suddenly or over time,” according to the release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
GFPB is among the latest recipients of the Economic Adjustment Assistance program. The others include:
ALABAMA — Wallace Community College – Dothan (WCCD) — in collaboration with Wayne Farms – Union Springs; Bullock County Development Authority; and the Bullock County Career and Technical Center — was awarded $661,700 to purchase specialized equipment for a new Regional Workforce Training Center.
MISSISSIPPI — Higher Purpose Co. was awarded more than $2.2 million to renovate its Higher Purpose Hub, a regional economic opportunity center enhancing the financial, physical and cultural wellbeing of Mississippi Delta residents by centralizing innovative services and amenities. Funds will be used to assist in extensive renovations to the facility and to implement technology that will assist with onsite trainings, cultural productions and business development.
Details: https://dra.gov/programs/critical-infrastructure/public-works-and-economic-adjustment-assistance-program/