#United States #Tennessee #Heartland Forward #Investment Readiness

Heartland Forward Expands Investment Readiness in Tennessee

The Heartland Forward organization is making strides in Tennessee by partnering with the state to enhance its Center for Investment Readiness (CIR). Announced during the Heartland Summit in Bentonville, Arkansas, this collaboration aims to empower local communities with the necessary resources to foster economic growth based on their unique strengths.

Angie Cooper, president of Heartland Forward, expressed enthusiasm about their new statewide partnership, emphasizing the importance of data and connections in bolstering economic competitiveness. The CIR has already been piloted in ten communities, showcasing its effectiveness in stimulating local growth. This new venture in Tennessee is seen as an opportunity to extend beneficial practices to even more communities around the state.

In collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Heartland Forward plans to extend its initiatives beyond just major cities. This will include smaller towns, bringing attention and accessible resources to areas that are often overlooked when it comes to investment opportunities.

Governor Bill Lee hailed the partnership as essential for ensuring that all Tennesseans have access to economic opportunities. The partnership aims to equip mid-sized and smaller communities with the data and tools necessary to attract capital investment, thereby helping to amplify local stories and enhance overall growth potential.

CIR is working towards an ambitious target: partnering with 30 communities to generate an impressive $100 million in economic impact by the year 2030. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development will play a critical role in identifying and selecting communities for this initiative, as well as acting as a liaison between local leaders and the high-level economic support provided by the CIR team.

An exciting element of this partnership is an event planned for 2027, which seeks to connect local communities directly with investors, providing crucial access to the financial resources needed for growth and development. The initiative focuses on strengthening connections with capital providers and increasing visibility for emerging investment opportunities.

Key supporters of this endeavor include notable organizations such as JPMorganChase, which has provided foundational support for CIR. Their involvement is part of a broader movement focusing on enhancing the heartland's economic viability, making it feasible for communities to establish and grow small businesses. This aligns with their American Dream Initiative, which aims to empower individuals and ensure they can forge a better future for themselves and their families.

Margot Brandenburg from the Ford Foundation conveyed pride in the project's mission to empower the local populace. She highlighted that the initiative is pivotal in providing communities with the necessary tools, insights, and relationships to thrive amid contemporary challenges.

Community leaders are eager for CIR's support, recognizing the need for local stakeholders to build a more robust entrepreneurial landscape. The Walton Family Foundation emphasized the importance of aiding communities in their understanding of entrepreneurship, ultimately refining their strategies to support local innovators.

Edward Jones, another founding partner, stressed the significance of the work being done to foster economic mobility. The organization's efforts come together with Heartland Forward’s vision of turning data into a compelling narrative that inspires action within communities. Their approach is to ensure that all stakeholders can visualize the opportunities available and work collaboratively towards shared goals.

Heartland Forward initially launched CIR in ten diverse communities, including Chattanooga and Lawrenceburg in Tennessee, among others. The initiative aims to level the playing field for these communities against larger markets, ensuring they are equipped to compete for investment.

For those interested in learning more about the Center for Investment Readiness or getting involved, Heartland Forward invites you to visit their website at heartlandforward.org/center-for-investment-readiness.

About Heartland Forward

Heartland Forward is a non-profit policy think tank dedicated to transforming ideas into actionable strategies for communities throughout the heartland. Their mission is to drive economic growth and achieve $500 million in economic impact by the year 2030 through rigorous research and community-driven initiatives.

About the Heartland Summit

Founded by Olivia and Tom Walton and Steuart Walton in 2018, the Heartland Summit serves as a crucial platform for discussion regarding the challenges faced by the middle of the country while working together to create actionable solutions and strengthen relationships across sectors.