~ Sparking Solutions ~

FOR RURAL AMERICA

TIME TO COMPETE

ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE FROM THE NEW RECOMPETE PROGRAM

As Strategy Development Grant recipients of the Economic Development Administration’s Recompete program, ARI is spearheading a strategic initiative to enhance workforce engagement across southeast Arkansas.

This program is part of the broader efforts under the Biden-Harris Administration’s CHIPs and Science Act, which provides significant funding to stimulate economic recovery in distressed areas. ARI’s strategy targets persistent issues such as poverty and economic instability in the Arkansas Delta.

The project, 'Working for Southeast Arkansas', involves rigorous research and community interaction to devise effective solutions to increase community competitiveness and improve quality-of-life for all.

Click Here To Learn More About Working For Southeast Arkansas
Data Set for Recompete 2

ARI’s Pillars of

Community Vitality

COMMUNITY

Community

ARI identifies solutions to turn plans into reality in a holistic fashion. Focusing on community equity, our model of Assess, Implement, and Sustain answers four questions:

  • What should we do?
  • Where do we find the resources?
  • How do we get it done?
  • How do we sustain progress?

ARI works to ensure that community and economic development achieves its true purpose, which is, to create vibrant, healthy communities for all.

CAPITAL

Capital

ARI’s mission-driven Rural Impact Fund supports critical efforts that foster economic development, spur, catalyze, unlock community transformation, and unlock capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

COMPETITION

Community

ARI aims to offer better opportunities to compete and prosper in the global market through workforce development efforts that:

  • Ensure workers and learners have support systems in place that allow for the access to earn skills and credentials
  • Partner with community stakeholders, local educational institutions and industry to provide resources and technical assistance that allow opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and business ownership
  • Spur quality-of-life initiatives for residents and workers that sustain the next generation and attract lost populations back to their roots
  • Provide outreach, advocacy, and support for entrepreneurial ecosystem development and engagement

‘The Alliance for Rural Impact provided us not only with applicable strategies for our downtown, but also identified funding sources to fuel their execution. Their recommendations continue to guide the transformation of Historic Downtown Dyersburg!’

– Slater Barr, President and CEO Dyersburg Dyer County Chamber of Commerce

‘The Alliance for Rural Impact is working to help local businesses become more efficient and to find ways to remove barriers to developing a strong workforce. It is not easy work. And we are glad for the partnership.’

– John Edwards, Helena Harbor and Phillips County Economic Development

“ARI has partnered with IEDC on several economic recovery volunteer projects, helping communities develop strategies for downtown revitalization, economic diversification, rural development, and more. Jamie and Jennifer’s expertise was an asset to the team and to our clients. We’d be glad to engage ARI with our economic recovery work in the future.’

– Delaney Luna, IEDC

‘The work ARI is undertaking in the Delta is of utmost importance to our region. By gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by our businesses and evaluating potential solutions, ARI will provide invaluable insights into how we can better support our local industries. We believe that ARI’s efforts will not only shed light on these challenges but also facilitate the development of strategic solutions that can empower our businesses with the tools they need to thirve.’

- Bethany Hildebrand, President and CEO Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce

“The Mississippi Delta faces unique workforce challenges, but with the support of the Alliance for Rural Impact, we are turning obstacles into opportunities. Together, we’re crafting thoughtful solutions to boost workforce participation and create a stronger foundation for business growth in Greenwood and Leflore County.”

- Thomas Gregory, Executive Director of Greenwood, Mississippi.

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