(WYMT) – A regional nonprofit has secured $2 million in federal funding to help bolster economic development across 54 Appalachian Kentucky counties.
The Appalachian Regional Commission awarded the grant to the Mountain Association through its POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative. The funding is part of a broader $45.5 million package announced this month supporting 47 economic transition projects across coal-impacted communities.
The Mountain Association will use the funds for its new initiative, Strong Foundations: Fortifying the Building Blocks of Economic Development in Appalachian Kentucky. The project focuses on expanding small businesses in essential sectors such as housing, childcare, food access, and disaster recovery.
“For 50 years, the Mountain Association has worked to strengthen the foundation of our local economies,” said Robin Gabbard, president of the Mountain Association. “By investing in essential businesses in these critical sectors, we’re building resilience for the future and helping create lasting jobs.”
Combined with $500,000 in matching partner funds, the two-year initiative aims to:
- Support 450 businesses and provide technical assistance to 360
- Create 50 new businesses and 150 new jobs
- Retain 120 existing jobs
- Provide training for 100 participants
- Generate $6 million in leveraged private investment
The effort includes partnerships with the Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership, Appalachian Early Childhood Network, Invest606, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, Kentucky Small Business Development Center, and the TEK Center.
