UW Selected as EDA University Center Economic Development Technical Assistance Program

The University of Wyoming has been selected by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to receive funding to establish an EDA University Center (UC) Economic Development Technical Assistance Program.

UW will receive $1 million -- $200,000 over each of the next five years -- to establish and operate an EDA-designated UC, dubbed Wyoming Business Resource Connections (WBRC).

In all, EDA is providing a total of $16.5 million in grants to 23 colleges and universities in 14 states to administer programs to leverage their assets, promote innovation and strengthen regional economies.

“The EDA UC designation will broaden the reach of and access to both university assets and other regional and statewide inclusive entrepreneurial, startup and small-business resources and services in Wyoming,” says Parag Chitnis, vice president for UW’s Research and Economic Development Division. “As the University Center, UW’s Research and Economic Development Division will be the hub of this expansion of access to resources, focusing on advancing high-growth entrepreneurship and cultivating innovation.”

The WBRC focus on advancing high-growth entrepreneurship and cultivating innovation will generate innovation in both traditional and emerging economic sectors for Wyoming.

For example, business generation in energy remains central to Wyoming’s economy, with activity in traditional extraction and new carbon, nuclear and rare earth technologies and markets, Chitnis says.

“The UC will support core businesses in those industries, primarily through support of Wyoming startups and small businesses in innovative and ancillary services and approaches in those industries,” explains Curtis Biggs, executive director of industry and strategic partnerships for UW’s Research and Economic Development Division. “This center focus applies to other instrumental sectors of our state as well, including agriculture, digital technology, travel/tourism and the creative economy, for example. Ultimately, the enhanced connectivity of the entrepreneurial and small-business services should lead to increases in total clients served; clients served by multiple partners; new startups and jobs in high-growth areas; and state economic growth and diversification.” 

Partners within UW will include the College of Business’ Center for Business and Economic Analysis, the High Plains American Indian Research Institute, Manufacturing Works, UW Extension and the Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network. These entities will bolster internal and external referral services and systems, assuring entrepreneurs and businesses are accessing best-fit programming.

Concurrently, key partner organizations and programs around the state will be an integral part of the formalized center and referral network. These include the Wyoming Business Council, Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Wyoming Innovation Partnership and the Wyoming Library to Business program.

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., also has shown strong support for this UC effort.

“Our state continues to be at the forefront of groundbreaking innovation, and the University of Wyoming continues to play an active role in maintaining our leadership in this space,” Lummis says. “This investment ensures businesses across the Cowboy State will have access to the resources and opportunities they need to grow and be successful.”

Through the enhanced connectivity of business resources across the state and an increase in opportunities for businesses and communities to grow, the UC directly impacts core UW strategic plan areas of engaging with and serving the state of Wyoming and cultivating financial stability and diversification, Biggs says.

“All campus units can benefit and be involved,” Biggs says. “Whether it is student internship placement, tech transfer opportunities or connecting with industry in sponsored research, there are a variety of ways to engage.”

“As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the Biden-Harris administration is committed to growing the nation’s economy through research and innovation,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo says. “With support from the Biden-Harris administration, these institutions of higher education will help to develop resilient innovation ecosystems and equitably expand economic opportunity for communities across the country.”

EDA prioritizes economic development planning or implementation projects that advance equity across America through investments that directly benefit traditionally underserved populations.

“The Economic Development Administration is dedicated to boosting regional economies through place-based, locally led strategies,” says Alejandra Castillo, assistant secretary of commerce for economic development. “EDA is pleased to support the institutions designated or redesignated as University Centers as they help us invest in America’s future and grow opportunities to increase equity in American research institutions. Their existing university resources will be bolstered to build regional economic ecosystems that support resiliency and inclusiveness.”