Southern University and A&M College has received a $1.275 million federal grant from the Minority Business Development Agency to establish the Louisiana Innovation for Thriving Rural Business Center (LIFT Center). This initiative aims to support rural small businesses by helping them access manufacturing and government contracting opportunities.
The LIFT Center, based in Southern’s College of Business, is one of three centers nationwide focused on aiding rural areas, particularly in manufacturing. Over the next three years, it will provide business advice, loan preparation, and skills training to help business owners in rural Louisiana. The goal is to assist 500 clients, integrate 50 new firms into the federal supply chain, unlock $2.125 million in capital, and support the creation of 600 jobs.
Southern University will leverage resources from various departments, including its Law Center and Advanced Metal Additive Manufacturing Laboratory, to provide practical training in metal component production for sectors like agriculture, energy, and defense.
For more information, business owners can reach out to Patrick Mensah at patrick.mensah@sus.edu.
