Washington – Representative Mike Ross (AR-04) along with U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor announced today that the University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff will receive a Rural Development Grant of $100,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture.  The funds are part of the 1890 Land Grant Institutions Rural Entrepreneurial Outreach and Development Initiative and will be used to provide outreach and technical assistance to develop entrepreneurs and businesses, including cooperatives.

“I am pleased to help secure and announce these funds for UAPB to promote small business and cooperative development in Jefferson County and throughout the state,” said Ross.  “As a former small business owner, I understand there are many obstacles in starting a new business and I think every Arkansan should have the opportunity to pursue the American dream.”

“Starting a new business can be a difficult challenge. These funds will help entrepreneurs in the Pine Bluff area access the resources and support they need to build a successful, technology-based enterprise. I’m pleased to see our state receive this federal funding,” said Lincoln.

“As a member of the Senate Small Business Committee, I understand firsthand how small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Pryor.  “These funds will equip emerging Pine Bluff enterprises with the tools and training they need to compete in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace.”

Funds from this grant will be focused on the creation of business enterprises that develop and/or utilize technology-based products and services, and will focus on the implementation of a business support incubator to house 12 to 15 new and start-up businesses.

-30-