General

The Georgia Rural Economic Development Center (GREDC) will be a leader in the state’s rural economic development efforts by:

Testing new ideas for economic development

Conducting research to seek solutions to local, regional and state development problems

Educating local and regional leadership

Collecting and disseminating information on rural economic and social situations

Providing funding for eligible projects and information on funding sources

 

Grant Opportunities

GREDC grants for economic development initiatives or research may be awarded to eligible applicants such as local governments, registered authorities, non-profit organizations and educational institutions. Cooperative agreements between multiple cities, counties and unincorporated areas, economic development authorities and nonprofits are encouraged.

Eligible projects include:

Local government leadership training and evaluation

Local government policy and program evaluation and reform

Strategy testing for economic development initiatives

Any initiative or research which will build strength and solidarity among local leadership, and position the community to attract and retain new business or encourage entrepreneurship

Projects which facilitate economic competitiveness, such as infrastructure development, work force development and small business development when necessary for technological modernization and innovation and/or improved quality of life (Does not pertain to physical assets)

Click here (Grants Page) to be taken to the Grants page that has a downloadable Grant Application and supporting documents.

Research

The GREDC can assist you with research for eligible economic development projects.  Or, you can apply for funding to conduct you own economic development project research.  For more information, click here (Research Page), to be taken to the research page which has a downloadable research request form.

Other Projects

The GREDC is working on numerous projects to help improve rural Georgia, to include:

Regional Telecommunications related projects and studies.

A Technology Literacy Center/Training Program to enhance the computer literacy of rural citizens.

A rural economic development Best Practices and Strategies Manual-a compilation of successful economic development practices from rural communities in Georgia and around the country. (Click this link)

Entrepreneurship and business incubation-"growing our own" new businesses and industries.

An artists' incubator as an economic development tool.

Rural Tourism Projects.

Business and Industry Library.

Business and Industry Forums and Seminars.

Customized Business and Industry Training (In conjunction with Continuing Education).

Rural Health Initiatives.

Environmental issues relating to rural water resources (In conjunction with the Canoochee Riverkeeper).

An LPN to RN Bridge Program to help with the shortages of health care workers in rural areas.

And others...