Auburn’s EDA University Center Program: Impacting Innovation and Entrepreneurs in Alabama

The Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) supports universities in their mission to assist states and their economic development community through the “EDA University Center” program. Universities have many assets, including expertise, specialized equipment, and commercialization experience that can help grow regional and state economies.

Auburn University’s EDA University Center mission is to provide impactful training and assistance to economic development leaders and entrepreneurs across the state of Alabama. The Center plays a vital role in developing the state’s economic development capacity and its innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. This is accomplished through a partnership among Auburn’s Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI) and The Harbert College of Business. Both partners bring unique and diverse resources representing Auburn’s tri-fold mission of outreach, instruction, and research.

To help build local development capacity in communities across Alabama, the center hosts a two-week Intensive Economic Development Training Course accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). For over thirty-nine years, Auburn’s course has introduced participants to all phases of economic development and to Alabama specific resources, including state agencies, non-profit organizations, and potential funding sources. Speakers include national experts in the fields of economic development trends, business retention and expansion, and community development. For those unable to attend this comprehensive training on Auburn University’s campus, the Center offers shorter training classes in partnership with the Economic Development Association of Alabama.

The Center also provides aspiring and existing community entrepreneurs with periodic Lean Startup, Business Development, Strategic Planning, and Entrepreneurial Leadership training in-person and on-line. For more information on our half-day Entrepreneur Pop-up Workshops held across the state, click here.

If you would like more information on Auburn University’s EDA University center, please email David Mixson at mixsoad@auburn.edu.

Upcoming Workshops

Resources

• 2020 State of Alabama Economic Report
• 2019 State of Alabama Economic Report
• 2018 State of Alabama Economic Report
• 2017 State of Alabama Economic Report

News

• EDA GRANT ENABLES AUBURN TO ASSIST SMALL BUSINESSES, START-UPS, AND ENTREPRENEURS
• Auburn University’s EDA University Center Assists Minority Businesses Through Training and Mentorship
• GEDI leverage's EDA grant to assist entrepreneurs and give students real-world experience
• Auburn University Awarded Funding Through Economic Development Competition