Press Release

U.S. EDA Partners with The State University of New Jersey to Create Jobs, Strengthen Regional Economy

September 3, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $100,000 grant to Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, N.J., to support the operation of the University Center economic development technical assistance program.

The University Center program provides local government and nonprofit organizations with resources to better analyze the economic needs of local communities.

"Encouraging innovation at our nation's colleges and universities is vital to our country's economic competitiveness," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John R. Fernandez. "This EDA grant will work to advance regional competitiveness by spurring innovation and entrepreneurship, creating higher-skill, living-wage jobs, and promoting industry clusters."

This investment funds the second year of a three-year award to Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Provide technical assistance and commercialization services for inner city and high distressed industries statewide. This includes support for technical entrepreneurs and collaboration with the SBDC offering support to inner-city small businesses.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov): This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.