Press Releases

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announces more than $1 Million in Grants to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy in Mississippi

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced $1 million in Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants to boost competitiveness and create jobs in Mississippi.

"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "We won't rest until every American who wants a job can get one. These grants will create jobs and advance Mississippi's competitiveness by supporting innovation and improving the business climate across the state."

The investments announced today include:

•  $600,000 to Mississippi Enterprise for Technology of Hancock County to advance regional competitiveness and support local entrepreneurs by creating new, modern programs that will expand the incubator's role as an economic development engine within the Stennis Space Center and the surrounding region.

•  $250,000 to the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority of Jackson to enhance regional competitiveness by conducting an air cargo analysis that will support the creation of a centralized cargo hub at Jackson-Evers International Airport.

•  $150,000 grant to the Mississippi Technology Alliance of Ridgeland to boost regional competitiveness by identifying high performance second stage companies, assessing opportunities to increase profitability through innovation, and to document specific workforce skills needs associated with new product development and growth projections.

•  $15,400 grant to the Northeast Mississippi Business Incubation System of Corinth to spur innovation and entrepreneurship by preparing a feasibility study on the potential to build a business incubator facility in the Belmont area of Tishomingo County.

• The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses that works to grow local economies by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products and services. Locke is a member of President Barack Obama's economic team.

EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster economic growth and job creation. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the global economy.

Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.