A north Louisiana innovation hub and economic development organization received a federal grant Thursday morning.
On Nov. 9, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that BRF was among 60 organizations across the country to receive the “Build to Scale” grant.
This grant totals $53 million and BRF received $1.3 million of that total. This grant is for programs that support technology entrepreneurs, catalyze innovation and fuel economic growth.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is Investing in America to help create entrepreneurial ecosystems across the country and put quality, 21st-century job opportunities in people’s backyards,” said Gina Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce. “The “Build to Scale” program will unlock innovation potential in regions all over the nation, improving our economic competitiveness now, and for decades to come.”
The “Build to Scale” program is administered annually by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) and aims to accelerate technology entrepreneurship by increasing inclusive access to entrepreneurial assistance and startup capital.
These EDA investments support innovation industries, such as agriculture technology (ag-tech), bioscience, advanced manufacturing, blue economy and health technology.
“EDA is proud to partner with this year’s ‘Build to Scale’ grantees as they fuel regional innovation hubs and technology-based economic development strategies throughout the U.S.,” said Alejandra Y. Castillo, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “Investing in scalable startups and expanding access to entrepreneurial capital will yield good-paying jobs, economic resiliency, and equitable growth in communities throughout America.”
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Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at [email protected].