South Bend-Elkhart RDA distribute last of READI funds
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The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Development Authority has awarded $6.4 million in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) grant funds to 11 projects, completing its distribution of funds from the state’s $500 million program. The RDA says the money is in addition to $40 million in READI funds awarded in September.
The program awards fell into four major areas: entrepreneurship, innovation, talent attraction, and talent development.
The RDA says the programs receiving funds were in line with the Smart Connected Communities 2030 Plan, which serves as an outline for the strategies of the South Bend – Elkhart region.
“The quality of READI grant projects and programs stemming from our region was phenomenal. These programs will leave an indelible mark on the lives and livelihoods of participants throughout the region,” said Dallas Bergl, RDA Vice Chair and President and CEO of INOVA Federal Credit Union.
The projects receiving READI funding in each category are:
Talent Development – $3,176,370
- enFocus Fellowship Expansion
- Engineering Your Future
- Experiential Learning Coordinator, Saint Joseph – District 7 Career Hub
- Next Path Training
- Regional Higher Education Talent Pipeline and Partnership Consortium
- South Bend – Elkhart Regional Internship Program (Intern SBE)
Innovation – $1,380,000
- South Bend – Elkhart READI Manufacturing Readiness Accelerator
Entrepreneurship – $1,161,065
- Digital Storefront Project
- enFocus Entrepreneurship Expansion Support
- Talent for Tomorrow
Talent Attraction – $700,000
- WE+YOU Talent Attraction and Retention Campaign
“The fact that the largest pool of READI programming funds was awarded to talent development programs does not go unnoticed,” said Taryn MacFarlane, vice president, regional initiatives at the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership. “Our region is using these funds to support and build homegrown talent. We know the work ethic and grit of those living and working in our region. These funds will help expand skills and prepare residents for future opportunities.”
To learn more about the South Bend – Elkhart region’s READI grant, click here.