Western EDGE is a community-powered development strategy designed to enhance the economic and social base of rural communities. Coalition building and accessing private and public assets within a community are the critical keys to the success of this development strategy.
Rally your community leaders and jumpstart you economic success today! Contact us to get started.
Western EDGE Works with Communities to:
- Provide education and skill development for local individuals wanting to start or expand a business.
- Nurture their development service providers and practitioners with cutting-edge training solutions.
- Enhance the skills of their policymakers empowering them to become savvy developers of rural policy.
- Develop their small business support networks.
- Explore their community’s goals and match them to businesses with similar goals.
How does Western EDGE work?
Western EDGE programs are a collaboration between the WRDC and your community or state agency. To get started your community or state agency will select the Western EDGE program(s) to participate in and will identify a person and a group of people to for your Community Coalition. You will then be provided with materials to get you started on implementing the program(s).
The WRDC:
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Provides the training for your community or agency.
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Supplies the program budget templates, curriculum, course materials, list of available trainers, and promotional materials.
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Evaluates the impact Western EDGE programs have on business start-ups, new job creation, and business growth and expansion within your community.