2012 University Center Economic Development Program Competition

by: Michael Saunders

The Economic Development Administration, otherwise known as EDA, is a federal government agency operating within the United States Department of Commerce that is largely responsible for providing grants to economically distressed communities in an effort to help generate new job opportunities, assist in retaining existing jobs and stimulating industrial and commercial growth.

The grants of initiatives of the EDA are all geared towards the realization of its primary agency mission which is to "lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy."

In keeping with this mission, the Economic Development Administration has recently established the 2012 University Center Economic Development Program Competition wherein they intend to solicit grant applications from higher education institutions stating their intent to establish and operate special University Centers that are focused on leveraging university assets in order to create regional economic ecosystems that will support high-growth entrepreneurship.

Higher education institutions or a consortia of institutions can take part in this program as long as they are willing to establish and operate a University Center, and in the process, form a collaboration with several other EDA partners in order to provide, develop, implement, and support regional strategies and approaches that would certainly pave the way to the creation of more jobs, the development of high-skilled regional talent pools, and the expansion of regional businesses. (continued...)

2012 University Center Economic Development Program Competition
Page 2

About The Author

Michael Saunders is an editor of TopGovernmentGrants.com one the the most comprehensive Websites offering information on government grants and federal government programs.

He also maintains Websites providing resources on environmental grants and grants for youth programs.

Additional Government Grants Resources

Affordable Housing Partnership Program for the First Time Home Buyers in California
The Affordable Housing Partnership Program is a housing opportunity that enables first time home buyers in the State of California to seek financial assistance from lending institutions that have formed a partnership with CalHFA for the purposes of this endeavor.

First Time Homebuyer Programs in District of Columbia
The Department of Housing and Community Development, more commonly referred to as DHCD, is a local government agency in the District of Columbia that is primarily responsible for increasing quality housing and community development opportunities.

Urban Waters Small Grants Program
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has recently constituted the development of the Urban Waters Small Grants Program wherein it seeks to solicit project proposals from eligible applicants who wish to contribute to the improvement of water quality in urban areas.

Keystone Home Loan PLUS Program
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, otherwise termed as PHFA, is an independent agency established in year 1972 in an attempt to assist the provision of reasonable and affordable housing opportunities the elderly, persons and families of modest means, and people suffering from disabilities.

Small Business Administration's Recovery Capital Loans
The Recovery Capital Loans Program provides financial assistance to small business with less than 500 employees to obtain a deferred payment loan from the agency, in order to meet existing debt payments, thereby giving the business the opportunity to refocus their business strategy.

Educational Grants - Financing Your Education with State Assistance
The Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) provides grants to States that can be used in financial assistance programs to help support eligible postsecondary students.

Second Mortgage Loan Program and Mortgage Credit Certificate for Homebuyers in North Carolina
One of the more popular programs is the FirstHome Mortgage Program for First Time Homebuyers which offer significantly low interest rates and a rather low fixed 30-year mortgage plan.