The Livingston-Overton County Chamber of Commerce has applied for a Three-Star Grant to boost entrepreneurship and workforce development.
Chamber President and CEO Zach Stephens said the grant is worth up to $250,000. Stephens said in the past, entrepreneurship has not been a high priority for the Chamber. He said the need for growth in that area exists across Overton County.
“I believe that it would really impact maybe their revenues if we can give them the tools, whether it’s legal or accounting or marketing or whatever it may be,” Stephens said. “I think it could really help spur even more economic growth for their businesses.”
Stephens said if awarded, the Chamber will take use the funding in several ways. In addition to helping local businesses, Stephens said instilling entrepreneurship programs in the school system is an avenue the Chamber would like to explore.
Stephens said teaching kids about entrepreneurship can help them think outside the box and be creative. In addition, Stephens said knowledge about entrepreneurship opportunities may inspire kids to stay around as adults.
“We oftentimes in meetings are talking about how to retain young talent,” Stephens said. “It’s really important. The Chamber, the community more broadly, we would love to see that there’s opportunities, especially around entrepreneurship for kids to stick around Overton County and not feel like they have to go to a larger metro area.”
Stephens said the Chamber wants to bring more success to trade businesses with grant funding. He said trades in the area get a boost from TCAT students, but they might need assistance getting started.
“They’re graduating kids who have garnered various skills, whether it’s HVAC, welding, you name it,” Stephens said. “We believe if we can help when they graduate, or if they’re already existing within the trades, if we can give them some of the tools from the business side to help them become really successful, that’s kind of what we want to focus on.”
Stephens said conversations with stakeholders and Chamber members helped him assess the need and potential uses for the grant. Stephens said the Chamber’s multiple goals prompted them to apply for the full $250,000, although they may not receive the full amount.
Stephens said Overton County applied for two more Three-Star Grants, one for the Livingston Municipal Airport Project and another for tourism.
Three Star Grants are typically awarded in July. This year’s application initially opened June 1.
