UL Lafayette receives second USDA grant to expand support for rural businesses

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has received a $174,565 grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business Development Grant Program to expand support for entrepreneurs in rural communities across Acadiana.

The grant, the University’s second USDA Rural Development award supporting its Rural Economic Development Innovation Initiative, or REDII, will establish the Rural Enterprise and Innovation Accelerator, or REIA. The new initiative will build on REDII by expanding access to small-scale manufacturing resources, technical expertise and hands-on training to help businesses move from concept development through product testing and market entry.

“The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is grateful for USDA Rural Development’s continued partnership in creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses across Louisiana,” said Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, University president. “This grant will connect small manufacturers and entrepreneurs with University expertise, product development resources and technical assistance that can help them grow, create jobs and pursue new markets, including opportunities to become suppliers within Louisiana’s expanding advanced manufacturing and aerospace sectors.”

Since its launch, REDII has supported 50 entrepreneurs, helped advance six prototypes and provided services to entrepreneurs and businesses across six Acadiana parishes. The new funding will enable the initiative to expand into additional rural parishes and assist more entrepreneurs seeking to turn ideas into viable products and businesses.

Based at UL Lafayette’s Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise, or LITE, Center, REDII brings together resources from the Louisiana Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Center and the Office of Innovation Management.

REIA will build on resources established through the University’s first USDA Rural Development grant, including the REDII Works FabLab at the LITE Center. The free public makerspace provides entrepreneurs, students, creators and small businesses with access to 3D printers, computers, a vinyl cutter and a laser cutter and engraver for prototyping, design and small-scale production. REIA will also leverage other small-scale manufacturing and prototyping resources across campus to expand the assistance available to rural entrepreneurs.

“This investment empowers rural entrepreneurs and small businesses to innovate, grow and create new opportunities across Louisiana,” said Troy Romero, USDA Rural Development Louisiana state director. “By partnering with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, USDA Rural Development is helping strengthen the foundation for long-term success in the communities we serve.”

Photo caption: Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, UL Lafayette president, center, is joined by Troy Romero, USDA Rural Development Louisiana state director, left, and others to celebrate the awarding of a $174,565 USDA business development grant to the University. The check presentation took place on Oct. 7. (Courtesy photo)