EDA University Center
The University of Tennessee EDA University Center (UTUC) leverages the resources, research and technology assets of the UT System to enhance regional economic growth across the state. Focus areas include:
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Strengthen rural workforce systems and build economic resiliency
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Help rural businesses attract and retain talent to support job growth
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Improve participation and equity in the labor force
Through offices and team members across Tennessee, UT CIS leverages the relationships with its innovation partners to support state and regional strategies of the State of Tennessee, the state’s nine development districts and other key regional economic development initiatives.
The UTUC works with numerous federal, state and regional partners in its work to build community capacity and economic competitiveness.
*The Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCED) Program engages partnerships across the state to deliver comprehensive training in the principles and practices of economic development.
*The Tennessee Workforce Development Academy will launch in February 2025 and will help economic and workforce development professionals bridge the gap between economic and workforce development.
*The Made in Tennessee Program supports and celebrates Tennessee manufacturing by raising awareness of the people behind the manufacturers and the products they make.
The University Center also leverages several significant federal and state investments housed within UT CIS to advance business and industry competitiveness, including the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), the APEX Accelerator and the OSHA Training Institute.
Economic Resiliency
Economic and community developers play a vital role in building economic resiliency in their local and regional economies. Being prepared on the front end can significantly affect a community's ability to bounce back after a disruption.
In response to the widespread impact of COVID-19, the UT Center for Industrial Services’ EDA University Center developed a comprehensive guide to provide economic developers and community leaders with practical tips and resources to build resiliency into all aspects of their economic development strategies.
Download the Economic Resiliency Guide
Download fillable resource documents and templates for strategies and assessments suggested in the Resiliency Guide: