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.

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities and More! – June 3, 2022

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Collected by the Western Nevada Development District

Curated by Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), this Friday round up, focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of infrastructure, equity in housing, emergency management resources and workforce development.

Grant Opportunities & More

US Department of Transportation (DOT) – Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)

DOT released a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the SS4A discretionary grant program, which comprises Action Plan Grants and Implementation Grants.

Eligible activities include:
• Develop or update a comprehensive safety Action Plan
• Conduct planning, design, and development activities in support of an Action Plan
• Carry out projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan

Eligible applicants include metropolitan planning organizations, political subdivisions of States, federally recognized Tribal governments and multijurisdictional groups comprised of the aforementioned entities.

Application Deadline: September 15, 2022 at 2:00pm PT

SS4A Grant

SS4A Notice of Funding


Fannie Mae – Sustainable Communities Innovation Challenge

Fannie Mae has announced the Call for Ideas is open for The Sustainable Communities Innovation Challenge 2022: Advancing Racial Equity in Housing. This is a new competition to identify projects that advance equity in rental and homebuying experiences for Black households. Fannie Mae will select projects and execute contracts with public, private, and nonprofit sector organizations, as well as individuals and teams.

Application Deadline: June 17, 2022 at 5:00pm PT

Sustainable Communities Innovation Challenge

Sustainable Communities Innovation Challenge Guide

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Resource Guides

FEMA Region 9 has provided a compilation of resources to be shared with communities and colleagues within the region to serve as guides.

The purpose of these documents is to provide State, Local, Territorial, and Tribal governments with an overview of resources and programs capable of being used to respond to and recover from the impacts of natural disasters, human-made disasters, public health emergencies, economic hardships, humanitarian crisis, security issues, expanding incidents, and complex emergencies.

Please use as a starting point for research and note that information is constantly changing. For the most up-to-date information, visit the individual organization’s website or work directly with the relevant entity.

Broadband Resource Guide

Food System Resource Guide

US Environmental Protection – Brownfields Job Training (JT) Grants

NEW: EPA’s Brownfields Job Training Grant Program is refocusing the competition on training activities that support assessment, cleanup, and preparation of brownfields sites for reuse. As part of that change, the former Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Program will now be called the Brownfields Job Training Program.

Eligible entities including nonprofit organizations, to deliver Brownfields Job Training (JT) programs that recruit, train, and place local, unemployed and under-employed residents with the skills needed to secure full-time employment in the environmental fields.

The Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization will also host an outreach webinar on June 15, 2022, from 11:00 am to 12:30pm PT to explain the guidelines for interested applicants and to address commonly asked questions.

Application Deadline: August 2, 2022

Webinar June 15, 2022, 11:00am to 12:30pm PT

Brownfields Job Training Grants

Brownfields Webinar

In the News: Driving it home…

Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) – Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training Program at Western Nevada College (WNC)

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board approved a $400,000 grant from the Workforce Innovations for the New Nevada (WINN) fund to grow a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training Program at Western Nevada College (WNC).

Nevada has 4,500 fewer licensed commercial drivers than the national average, according to In-Demand Occupations. The American Trucking Association’s 2021 National Truck Driving Shortage Report estimates a shortage of 80,000 commercial drivers, which could climb to 170,000. The Nevada Trucking Association estimates that 92% of manufactured items in Nevada are transported by truck, making a qualified trucking workforce essential.

This program, which will be offered in Carson City and Fallon, intends to provide 100 training slots for $24 per hour positions.

“The CDL program will help train workers for an industry seeing significant vacancies,” said Kyle Dalpe, WNC Interim President. “This funding will help educate students faster and into jobs sooner.”

WNC CDL Program

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities – April 1, 2022

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Curated by Western Nevada Development District (WNDD)

This Friday round up, focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of infrastructure, innovation, workforce development and energy.

Grants with Upcoming Deadlines

Rebuilding American Infrastructure Sustainably and Equitably (RAISE)

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has opened the application process for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, designed to assist various projects involving streets, transit, and other infrastructure. The program is available to communities of all sizes to fix and modernize infrastructure. The 2022 program received an additional $1.5 billion over the nearly $1 billion received in November 2021.

Deadline: April 14, 2022

RAISE

 

Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Program

The Build America Bureau/US Department of Transportation is currently accepting applications for the second round of funding to expand Regional Infrastructure Accelerators (RIA). Qualified RIAs serve as resources and demonstrate effectiveness in expediting projects that would otherwise take too long without assistance from an accelerator program.

Final Application Deadline: April 11, 2022

Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Program

 

Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE)

The U.S Department of Agriculture encourages a regional, innovation-driven approach to economic development by funding job accelerator partnerships in low-income rural communities to create high-wage jobs and accelerate business formation within these areas. The agency has provided grant assistance for this program which offers financial support on an annual basis as well as increased access to resources such as entrepreneurial training programs or equipment loans if needed.

Deadline: April 19, 2022

RISE

 

Rural Community Development Initiative Grants

USDA Rural Development grants help non-profit housing and community development organizations support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Public bodies, non-profit organizations, and qualified private for-profit organizations can apply for this funding. Eligible locations are any area other than a city or town with a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such a city or town.

Deadline: April 19, 2022

Rural Community Development Initiative Grants

 

Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant Program

The ABA Grant Program, under the US Department of Labor, supports a coordinated, national investment strategy that aims to strengthen and modernize the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) system, centered on equity and promotes Registered Apprenticeship as a workforce development solution. The grant builds on the Department’s previous and ongoing efforts to expand and modernize Registered Apprenticeship through expanding the number of programs and apprentices, diversifying the industries that utilize Registered Apprenticeship, and increasing access to underrepresented populations and underserved communities.

Deadline: April 25, 2022

Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant Program

Job Posting: WNDD Executive Director

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WESTERN NEVADA DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) seeks full-time Executive Director. WNDD is a nonprofit organization serving a seven-county region in western Nevada: Churchill, Douglas, Humboldt, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, and Washoe Counties, including the seven cities of Fallon, Lovelock, Fernley, Sparks, Reno, Carson City and Winnemucca and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.

Job requirements include:

1. Reports to a 49-member Board of Directors and Associate Members;
2. Implement policies and directives of the Board;
3. Requires excellent written and verbal communications;
4. Organizes and directs staff;
5. Manage Board meetings to include organizing agenda, Board packet, and staff reports;
6. Experience in public administration, fiscal management, budget preparation, economic development and project planning and management;
7. Ability to work with representatives of the public and private sectors;
8. Grant research, writing and administration experience;
9. Maintaining, updating and implementing WNDD’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS);
10. On-going administration of WNDD Revolving Loan Fund;
11. Development and implementation of programs benefitting individual members as well as programs of a regional approach in addressing economic development issues

Salary Range $75,000 to $100,000 plus benefits, includes health insurance stipend, dental, vision

Exempt: This position is classified as Exempt

Responsibilities: Responsible for all WNDD activities; Board and membership relations; personnel administration; regional economic development planning; budget and grant management

Skills Required: Extensive knowledge of state, federal, and local programs, rules and regulations; strong written and oral communication skills; computer skills

Education Required: A four-year degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Regional and Community Planning or related field – or – combination of education, training and at least a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in public and/or non-profit agencies

To apply: submit letter of application and resume to Sheryl A. Gonzales, Executive Director at: sgonzales@wndd.org

Extended Deadline! Submit no later than Friday, April 15th, 2022.

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities – February 18, 2022

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Collected by the Western Nevada Development District

TGIF4F—thank goodness it’s Five for Friday!

In this latest edition of the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) grant round-up, we’ve got funding opportunities for STEM, Tribes, small businesses, and arts organizations. There’s also information about the broadest grant publishing under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Let’s dig in.

Grants with Upcoming Deadlines

National Science Foundation STEM Network Grant

The National Science Foundation seeks to create a national network of stakeholders to share new knowledge, best practices, and design principles from its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (S-STEM). Its purpose is to ensure access, inclusion, and flexibility for low-income domestic STEM students. This project will fund S-STEM Resource and Evaluation Centers (S-STEM-REC) and S-STEM Research Hubs (S-STEM-Hub). Proposals can come from two-year and four-year colleges, as well as non-profit organizations.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 22, 2022.

National Science Foundation

Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) Center

The Federal Highway Administration will spend up to $17.8 million over five years to reopen seven Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) Centers. The TTAP Centers strive to improve Tribal communities’ quality of life by helping Tribes manage their transportation programs and systems. The centers will support advanced initiatives and projects to improve safety on Tribal lands, foster economic opportunity, and build economic strength.

Application Deadline: Friday, March 25, 2022.

TTAP

SBA Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program

The Small Business Administration will fund grants for state governments to help new small businesses combat cyber threats. Small firms are appealing targets to cyber threats because they have valuable data and lack the security infrastructure of larger corporations. According to a recent SBA survey, 88% of small company owners fear a cyber-attack. The problem is that many firms can’t afford professional IT services or don’t know where to start.

Application deadline: Friday, March 25, 2022.

SBA Cybersecurity

Nevada Arts Council Project Grant For Organizations

The Nevada Arts Council’s Project Grants for Organizations offers grants up to $7,000, with one-to-one cash or in-kind match, to Nevada incorporated nonprofits to support arts and cultural projects that impact the community. Funds may be used to support the execution of one art and culture project or a series of related activities. Eligible projects include art exhibitions, performances, readings, and festivals.

Deadline: Friday, March 25, 2022.

Nevada Arts Council Project Grant

American Rescue Plan Act Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant

The U.S. Economic Development Administration is soliciting applications for the broadest grant publishing under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and any eligible applicant from any EDA Region may apply.

This grant is supported by the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, which is flexible and responsive to local and regional stakeholders’ economic development needs and priorities.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration aims to assist communities and regions impacted by the coronavirus pandemic through this grant, including historically underserved communities.

The grant is designed to provide a wide range of financial assistance to communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the coronavirus pandemic’s economic impacts, including long-term recovery and resilience to future economic disasters.

EDA anticipates funding approximately 300 non-construction and construction projects that cost between approximately $500,000 and $5,000,000 with this appropriation, though EDA will consider applications above and below these amounts.

Deadline: Thursday, March 31, 2022.

American Rescue Plan Act