Summary:
Emporia Main Street secures $750,000 through FORGE grant and ESU match to boost local entrepreneurship
Two new positions open: Fabrication Lab Outreach and Innovation Specialist and Marketing and Events Coordinator
FORGE aims to increase technology access, foster partnerships, and develop entrepreneurial skills over three years
Pitch opportunities for businesses expected by late 2024
Emporia Main Street is on the lookout for two dynamic individuals to join their team, thanks to the FORGE grant program supported by the Kansas Department of Commerce. This initiative, announced earlier this year, has provided Main Street with a significant boost—$375,000 from the grant, matched by another $375,000 from Emporia State University (ESU).
Strategic Partnerships and Opportunities
Main Street Director Casey Woods highlights the collaborative efforts between Main Street and ESU, focusing on strategizing outreach to existing businesses and entrepreneurs. The goal? To offer microgrant and pitch opportunities that spur the creation of new products and services, ultimately leading to job creation and increased wealth in the area.
New Positions Available
With the FORGE grant in action, two new roles have emerged:
- Fabrication Lab Outreach and Innovation Specialist: Assisting Fab Lab Manager Jeremy Wharton in managing the surging interest in the Fab Lab, which has grown faster than anticipated.
- Marketing and Events Coordinator: Working alongside Community Development Coordinator Jessica Buchholz to enhance Main Street's visibility and event management.
FORGE Grant Objectives
The FORGE project, spanning three years, aims to:
- Increase technology access for businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Foster partnerships to unlock new opportunities for local and regional businesses.
- Leverage ESU's resources to develop skills for business startups, expansions, and recruitment.
Future Plans
By the third or fourth quarter of this year, Woods anticipates announcements regarding pitch opportunities for both new and existing businesses, marking a significant milestone in the grant's timeline.
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