Five for Friday: September 23, 2022

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Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities and More!

Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of Brownfields programs, entrepreneur capital, workforce development and broadband.

Grant Opportunities & More

EPA Brownfields Program Taking 2023 Applications

The FY 2023 Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grant Guidelines are now available. Grants offered by the Brownfields Program may be used to address sites contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum) and petroleum as well as general revitalization and reuse. Potential applicants are invited to participate in the upcoming webinars with EPA to review and address questions about the solicitations.

The September 29th webinar will discuss the FY 2023 guidelines for entities applying for:

• Multipurpose Grant funding
• Community-wide Assessment Grant funding
• Assessment Coalition Grant funding
• Community-wide Assessment Grants for States and Tribes funding

Webinar: September 29, 2022 at 11 AM PT
Application Deadline: November 22, 2022

Join Webinar

2023 Brownfields Grant Information

 

AngelNV Bootcamp: Taking Business Ventures to the Next Level

The AngelNV Entrepreneur Bootcamp is for aspiring or current startup founders that are considering raising capital, and want to learn “what angel investors want” in a business venture. Over the course of the 13-week program, entrepreneurs will hear from investors, experienced startup founders, and business experts on a variety of core topics related to starting and scaling a startup. Sessions will be held both in-person in Las Vegas and online via Zoom. The bootcamp is a program that can provide startups with eligibility for the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding. Hosted by StartUpNV, a Nevada 501(c)3, the organization is focused on entrepreneurship, economic development, and diversity across the state.

First Session: October 11, 2022

Program Information and Registration


Get in the Grant Game for Workforce Development and Rural Prosperity

Through the Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN), USDA highlights Rural Development programs and other Agency resources for local leaders that can be used to develop the rural workforce in their communities by financing rural infrastructure and community development projects. RWIN is presenting a regional series on the Federal Grant Process and Management. Attendees will learn how to access, explore, and apply for federal grants. This is a collaborative event with presentations by USDA Rural Development, U.S. Health and Human Services, U.S. Economic Development Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Housing and Urban Development.

Attendance is recommended by region, but participants may join any session.

Midwest: September 29, 2022
West: October 13, 2022
Northeast: October 27, 2022
South: November 17, 2022

Midwest Registration

West Registration

Northeast Registration

South Registration


USDA Opens Fourth Round of Rural Broadband Grants & Loans

The USDA ReConnect Program offers loans, grants, and loan-grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in areas of rural America that currently do not have sufficient access to broadband. USDA is making additional funding available for high-speed internet in Round 4 of the ReConnect Program. The Department is accepting applications for up to $150 million in loans, up to $300 million in loan/grant combinations, and up to $700 million in grants.

Application Deadline: November 2, 2022

USDA ReConnect Program Grant

ReConnect Round 4 Application Guide

 

In the News….ICYMI: Leaders Envision Resiliency And Recovery At Tahoe Economic Summit

The Envision Tahoe Economic Summit was hosted earlier this month by the Tahoe Prosperity Center. The annual Summit is an opportunity to catalyze change and take action for the benefit of the Tahoe-Truckee regional economy while supporting our community, quality of life and environment.

The 2022 Summit brought together over 100 community leaders to engage in conversations about economic resiliency and implementing the Envision Tahoe Prosperity Playbook. The Envision Tahoe process was a collaborative regional economic recovery and resiliency strategy, funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and completed over the past year.

WNDD was a proud sponsor of this year’s Summit.

Tahoe Prosperity Center

Envision Tahoe Prosperity Playbook

Five for Friday: July 22, 2022

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Curated by the Western Nevada Development District

Welcome to Five for Friday, your source for upcoming funding opportunities, grants and webinars that can support economic development in Western Nevada.

We hope you find this edition helpful and informative as you work to make our region a great place to live and do business.

Grant Opportunities & More

Applications Due Soon! Bureau of Reclamation – WaterSMART Grants

This Notice of Financing Opportunity (NOFO) for Water and Energy Efficiency Grants provides for projects that result in verifiable water savings, implement renewable energy components, and support broader sustainability advantages. These programs conserve and use water more efficiently, enhance renewable energy production, minimize conflict risk in places at high risk of future water conflict, and achieve other benefits that contribute to sustainability.

Application Deadline: July 28, 2022

Bureau of Reclamation

WaterSMART Grant


Upcoming Webinar: Training and Technical Assistance for Small, Rural, and Tribal Wastewater Improvements

Learn more about the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) $18 million investment to create a pipeline of technical assistance providers to support rural, small, and tribal governments. Leaders with the EPA Office of Wastewater Management will provide training to aid in the application process during this free webinar.

Webinar: July 27, 2022, Noon till 1 pm PT
Application Deadline: August 22, 2022

More Information

Webinar Registration


Don’t Miss Out! Brownfields Job Training (JT) Grants

The EPA will fund $12 million to eligible entities, including nonprofit organizations, to deliver Brownfields Job Training programs that recruit, train, and retain a local, skilled workforce by prioritizing unemployed and underemployed residents to obtain the skills and credentials needed for pathways into full-time employment in the environmental field.

Application Deadline: August 2, 2022

Brownfields Job Training Grants


Webinar: Using Census Bureau Data for Grant Writing

Census Bureau data can provide key indicators and data points that are useful to include in a grant proposal. During the webinar, participants will learn how to successfully navigate census.gov to capture information needed to support grant writing. It will cover key Census Bureau products, data tools and applications that can create a demographic profile of a community.

Webinar: August 9, 2022, 11 am till Noon PT

Grant Writing Webinar Registration


Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering up to $4 million in cooperative agreement funds to qualified organizations to support planning, technical assistance, and training for placemaking initiatives in rural communities. Under the Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge (RPIC), the money can be used by qualified organizations to promote the development of transportation, housing, and recreational facilities as well as plans for improving internet connection in rural areas.

Application Deadline: August 15, 2022

Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge


Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), is a vital partner to our member organizations in grant research, writing and management. Our professional team is available to assist in identifying and obtaining funding sources to grow a stronger Nevada.

 

Catalyze Change and Take Action: Tahoe Economic Summit

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2022 Envision Tahoe

Save the Date: September 7, 2022

The annual Tahoe Economic Summit is an opportunity to catalyze change and take action for the benefit of the regional economy while supporting community, quality of life and the environment.

The conference will explore economic diversification and recovery. Attendees will collaborate with area experts to build a resiliency strategy to benefit and support Lake Tahoe and surrounding communities.

Government leaders, local residents, business owners, young professionals, start-up companies, developers, investors, and entrepreneurs are all encouraged to attend.

When:
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
9:00 AM to 5:00 pm PT

Where:
Granlibakken Tahoe
725 Granlibakken Road
Tahoe City, CA 96145

Get Your Tickets Today: Tahoe Economic Summit

WNDD Board Approves Updated Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

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Updated CEDS Will Guide Efforts to Advance, Diversify and Strengthen the Regional Economy

The Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) board of directors approved the 2022 update to its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), ensuring that the region has a roadmap to progress and prosperity.

“As we strive to enhance the economy of Western Nevada, this new report will serve as a guide,” said Naomi Duerr, WNDD President and City of Reno Council Member. “By adopting this comprehensive, results-driven approach, we will continue attracting and retaining residents and businesses, increasing employment opportunities, and investing in our communities.”

The CEDS is a locally based, regionally driven economic development planning process and document that successfully engages the region’s community leaders, private sector partners, and stakeholders. Together, they work toward creating a long-term economic development strategy to welcome new businesses, industries, and workforce to the region and promote a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable economy.

“To achieve economic progress, it is necessary to work together,” said Christine Brandon, WNDD Executive Director. “This update will guide our activities at WNDD and our collaborative efforts with regional partners.”

The CEDS is updated annually and revisited, revised, and rewritten every five years. The 2020-2025 CEDs was recognized by CEDS Central and the National Association of Development Organizations as taking the document to the next level by incorporating resiliency planning. The 2022 update includes the Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan (ERRP), created by the Economic Recovery and Resiliency Council (ERRC) and Action Teams formed to prioritize efforts and projects from the ERRP.

The 2022 CEDS update refreshes the data in the 2020-2025 report. It enables WNDD to continue as a designated Economic Development District by the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce (EDA).

As a designated EDA Development District, and with the established CEDS regional plan, WNDD and its members are positioned to leverage competitiveness when applying for EDA grant programs and other federal funding. This regional planning document also gives the WNDD organizations an edge when applying for funding and grants from foundations and state agencies.

The CEDS update maintains the region’s Economic Development District designation, the associated planning funds, and regionwide eligibility for federal funding to accomplish projects identified within the plan.

“There must be an investment in our region to bring in capital and create jobs as our economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Brandon said. “Funding for Western Nevada’s economic development will directly affect many of the state’s most rural and distressed areas.”

CEDS Update 2022

EDA Equitable Economic Development THIS WEEK: 2 Webinars for EDA Grants!

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You won’t want to miss two webinars this week about two new funding opportunities for programs aimed at strengthening equitable economic development strategies across the nation.

Wednesday, June 22nd:
Equity Impact Investments Program

The Equity Impact Investments Program will provide technical assistance to enable organizations serving underserved populations and communities to participate in economic development planning and projects.

Webinar: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 11am PT

Application Deadline: August 5, 2022

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is currently seeking an organization or coalition to provide technical assistance to build capacity within organizations serving underserved populations and communities to help them effectively participate in their local economic development efforts. Funding for the program is between $3 million and $10 million and will be dependent on reach, impact and number of grants awarded.

WEBINAR RSVP: Equity Impact Investments Program

NOTICE OF FUNDING: Equity Impact Investments Program

Thursday, June 23rd:
Economic Recovery Corps Program

The Economic Recovery Corps Program will add staff resources to local organizations focused on improving economic resilience and competitiveness in distressed regions across the country.

Webinar: Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 10:30 am PT

Application Deadline: August 5, 2022

EDA is currently seeking a Network Operator (an organization or coalition) to build, launch, and operate the Economic Recovery Corps program, which will embed Fellows in local economic development organizations across the country.

EDA seeks to award one grant to a Network Operator between $20 million and $25 million, with a five-year period of performance. EDA supports collaborative and innovative partnerships to build and launch these new initiatives and welcomes different perspectives and approaches.

Questions? Email: EquityImpact@eda.gov

WEBINAR RSVP: Economic Recovery Corps Program

NOTICE OF FUNDING: Economic Recovery Corps Program

Need help applying for these programs or any others? WNDD has your back! All WNDD member organizations can benefit from our extensive background in economic development planning and grant research, writing and management services.

VISIT: WNDD.ORG

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities and More! – June 17, 2022

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Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), is a vital partner to our members in Grant Research, Writing and Management. Working in regional collaboration with public and private entities to create an environment within which economic development can occur, WNDD’s professional team is available to our members in identifying and obtaining funding sources to grow a stronger Nevada.

Grant Opportunities & More

Curated by Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), this Friday round up, focuses on opportunities around the region in the areas of women’s empowerment, workforce development and training and economic development.

Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) – Accelerating Women’s Empowerment in Energy (AWEEA)

The Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) of the U.S. Department of State invites organizations to apply to carry out the Accelerating Women’s Empowerment in Energy (AWEEA) initiative. This initiative will provide a convening forum and workforce development activities to support the empowerment and professional development of women working in or looking for work in the clean energy sector to overcome historic gender-based marginalization.

Deadline: July 7, 2022

AWEEA Grant

Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration – Apprenticeships for Complete and Committed Employment for Specialized Skills (ACCESS) Program

The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration will accept applications for grants for the Department of Energy National Lab Jobs Apprenticeships for Complete and Committed Employment for Specialized Skills (ACCESS) Program. The ACCESS Program is a pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship program that leads to postsecondary qualifications for high school and college students. It focuses on skills and qualifications needed to fill traditional and emerging technician positions (including machinists and cybersecurity technicians) at the National Laboratories.

Deadline: July 7, 2022

ACCESS Grant

Administration for Children and Families (ACF) – Office of Community Services (OCS)

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS) will solicit applications for $12.3 million in Community Economic Development (CED) discretionary grant funds to Community Development Corporations (CDC) for well-planned, financially viable, and innovative projects to enhance job creation and business development for low-income individuals.

Community Development Corporations Grant

National Institute of Corrections (NIC)

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is seeking applications for funding to revise the current 40-Hour blended Evidence-based Workforce Development curriculum into a virtual instruction-led format. This project aims to develop a blended training curriculum to provide criminal justice practitioners and stakeholders with the knowledge/skills needed to support justice-involved adults’ workforce development and reentry efforts effectively.

Deadline: July 18, 2022

NIC Grant

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Wildfire Recovery and Resilience

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is offering up to $600,000 to study the effectiveness of disaster recovery funding after a wildfire. The project aims to improve the ability of wildfire-affected communities to employ disaster aid to build resilience, especially in low- and moderate-income areas.

Deadline: July 19, 2022

Wildfire Recovery and Resilience Funding

Economic Recovery: By the Numbers June 14, 2022

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The economic recovery in Western Nevada is well underway, with key statistics showing significant improvements in recent months.

5,200: Nevada added 5,200 jobs in April 2022, an 8% annual increase. Reno’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) added 700 jobs, and Carson City’s added 300.

$1.3 billion: Nevada’s nonrestricted gaming licensees reported a total gaming win of $1,355,229,902 for March 2022, a 26.83% annual increase.

75 cents: Nevada’s minimum wage will rise 75 cents on July 1 to $9.50/hour for organizations with health insurance and $10.50/hour for those without.

Six: Governor Steve Sisolak appointed six members of his existing cabinet to a workforce development sub-cabinet to evaluate the state’s workforce needs and provide recommendations.

$15 million: Washoe County plans to spend $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to provide supportive housing to disproportionately affected communities, including $4.5 million for those with severe mental illness.

13: Spirit Airlines will be the 13th airline to service Western Nevada from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport when it begins twice-daily flights to the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas in August 2022.

With continued support from businesses and residents, we will continue to build a strong and thriving economy.

Read the Full WNDD Economic Recovery Newsletter Report

WNDD Economic Recovery Report – June 2022

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The latest edition of the WNDD’s Economic Recovery Report (ERR) is available online and includes updates, grants, and information you need to know about efforts and ideas to strengthen our region’s economy.

It includes information on the Economic Recovery and Resiliency Project’s (ERRP) activities and progress, such as developing and implementing the ERRP Plan based on priority projects identified by the Economic Recovery and Resiliency Council (ERRC) and Economic Recovery and Resiliency Action Teams.

Some of the hot topics addressed include:

• Longtime Carson City Resident Set to Become Next WNDD Executive Director
• Projects to Grow Western Nevada’s Economy Set For 2022 Strategy Update
• Regional Leaders Come Together to Support Economic Resilience

And more!

The data and information in this report can help WNDD members, other regional businesses, stakeholders, and other organizations develop and implement economic recovery and resiliency initiatives.

Economic Recovery Report – June 2022

This publication is part of a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Supplemental Award for the United States. It aims to help the region attract industry, retain and develop businesses, and create long-term sustainable private-sector jobs and investments.

$45 Billion Federal Program

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Aims To Provide Affordable, Reliable High-Speed Internet To All Americans By 2030

The Biden-Harris Administration launched an Internet for All initiative, investing $45 billion to provide affordable, reliable, high-speed internet for everyone in America by the end of the decade. The initiative will be administered and implemented by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

The program will build internet infrastructure, teach digital skills, and provide the necessary technology to ensure that everyone in America—including communities of color, rural communities, and older Americans—has the access and skills to participate in today’s society fully.

The Internet for All program includes three Notices of Funding Opportunities:

• Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program: $42.5 billion
• Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program: $1 billion
• State Digital Equity Act programs: $1.5 billion

Learn More

The Power to Speed Up Nevada’s Economic Growth Is in Your Hands!

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Take The Nevada Speed Test Today to Support Nevada’s Digital Economy

Nevada’s digital economy is only as strong as the broadband infrastructure that supports it. That’s why the Nevada Speed Test, spearheaded by WNDD, is so important.

The Nevada Speed Test aims to ensure that every home and business in Western Nevada has access to affordable, adequate, and reliable high-speed internet. This is essential for participating in a digital economy and society.

The Nevada Speed Test relies on participation from businesses and households in the WNDD region to be successful. The data provided through nevadaspeedtest.org can guide funding distribution to boost Western Nevada’s broadband connectivity in the coming years.

The clock is ticking!

The mapping program’s software license will expire in October 2022. With less than five months to go, participating jurisdictions in the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) region are roughly 6,500 tests short of meeting the minimum objective of 4% of households taking the test.

Outreach and promotion are vital to spreading the word about the Nevada Speed Test and encouraging participation. WNDD has been working with local governments, community organizations, and the media to help promote the Nevada Speed Test. So far, KOLO 8 News, Channel 2 News, Northern Nevada Business Weekly, and others have covered the Broadband Mapping Project.

Recent and ongoing efforts to market the Nevada Speed Test include sending individual requests to WNDD members, senior centers, community centers, libraries, school districts, the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, and other groups.

The project’s lead sponsor is Uprise Fiber, an associate member of WNDD.

Be Counted!

Take the Nevada Speed Test Today!

How the Map Works
The interactive map is progressively taking shape as residents take the Nevada Speed Test and may be viewed at nevadaspeedtest.org

Each speed test is shown on the map as a dot, and the color of the dot indicates the download and upload speeds.