Missouri Research Corp. awarded grants

Two grants totaling $137,500 awarded to the Missouri Research Corp. will be used to train leaders in small communities and expand technical assistance to rural areas.

Money for both grants comes from USDA Rural Development, announced at a USDA news conference Friday at Southeast Missouri State University. A $50,000 Rural Business Opportunity Grant will fund training for eight to 10 community leaders in the 19 counties served by the MRC. The targeted communities will have a population of 1,000 to 10,000 people and have stagnant economies.

"We're going to customize the training based on the needs of the community. It's not a canned program," said Christy LeGrand, projects coordinator of the Missouri Research Corporation.

The communities have not been selected yet.

A $87,500 Rural Business Enterprise Grant will be used to hire a traveling staff member to help people wanting to start a new business or needing advice on how to manage a current business.

"Right now we have one counselor, and he's based in the Cape office. Anyone who needs those services has to travel, sometimes a far distance," LeGrand said.

The MRC is considered Southeast Missouri State University's "economic development arm," encouraging applied research on campus and helping develop businesses in Southeast Missouri.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123