Greenville awarded federal grant to boost economic resilience and tech innovation

The city of Greenville has been chosen to participate in the second phase of the Southern Cities Economic Initiative, led by the National League of Cities in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The program provides funding and support to help cities strengthen economic resilience and expand opportunities, officials said.

Greenville is one of 14 cities selected for the initiative, which includes a two-year, $60,000 pilot program called the Community Tech-Readiness with AI Application Initiative. The project aims to position Greenville as a hub for entrepreneurship, small business innovation, and digital inclusion in the Mississippi Delta region.

The initiative focuses on bridging the digital divide, improving local business capacity, and empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy. It will offer hands-on training, mentorship, and access to artificial intelligence tools for entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners.

Goals for the program include increasing digital and AI readiness among at least 80 small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, establishing a sustainable regional training and incubation model, and bolstering Greenville’s competitiveness through workforce development and technology adoption.

Mayor Errick D. Simmons expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. “Being selected for the next phase of the Southern Cities Economic Initiative affirms Greenville’s commitment to building an economy where innovation, inclusion, and opportunity go hand in hand,” he said. “This $60,000 grant will help us move from planning to action, providing our small businesses and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to grow and succeed.”

City officials said they plan to share updates as the program progresses and look forward to building a more resilient Greenville through this investment in digital and economic development.

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