$1.25 Million Grant to UCC/SOWI

Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank announced on Sept. 1 a $1.25 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Umpqua Community College and the Southern Oregon Wine Institute in Roseburg to build a small business incubator to support the viticulture sector, an industry critical to the regional economy. The project is expected to create as many as 500 jobs per year in Southern Oregon, according to grantee estimates.

“The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation’s economic competitiveness,” Blank said. “This EDA-funded project will help bring high-quality jobs and economic growth to the region by fueling the growth of the Roseburg viticulture industry.”

Southern Oregon has experienced a high rate of unemployment, but the local winemaking industry has the potential to boost economic growth and jobs. With this EDA investment, UCC can establish a business development services program and acquire the necessary equipment to expand the industry by supporting new businesses and entrepreneurs across the Roseburg area.