ETSU launches Advance Appalachia for small businesses

East Tennessee State University has brought a new initiative for small businesses to the region. Supported by a $250,000 grant from Truist Foundation to the ETSU Research Corporation, Advance Appalachia is meant to help small businesses across the Tri-Cities build stronger workplaces, improve employee retention and create lasting benefits for working families, according to a news release. "Advance Appalachia is an opportunity to put that research into real, actionable practice with the small businesses in our region," said Dr. Mary Jo Hedrick, associate director of research for the ETSU Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development. "For ETSU, this grant demonstrates that we are a university rooted in Appalachia, and this work is one of the most direct ways we can fulfill our commitment to the health and prosperity of the communities we serve." Through the initiative, ETSU will provide local small businesses with mentorship, research-based training, grant funding opportunities and implementation support to create family-supportive workplaces. The release states businesses will also have the opportunity to compete in a pitch competition next spring for additional funding to support innovative workforce retention strategies. Alongside the grant from Truist, Advance Appalachia is also led by the ETSU/Ballad Health Strong BRAIN Institute in collaboration with the Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Development and ETSU University Advancement. "At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities," said DeAnna Hughes, Truist market president for the Tri-Cities. "Advance Appalachia brings that purpose to life by helping small businesses build stronger workplaces where employees and families can thrive. Through our collaboration with ETSU, we're investing in practical solutions that can strengthen businesses, expand opportunity and create lasting impact across the region." The release states the program is targeted toward small businesses in the region with annual revenues of less than $1 million. Participating employers will engage in the SBI's Better Workplaces framework, a nationally recognized approach that helps organizations strengthen workplace culture, employee well-being and workforce stability. "We're grateful for the support of Truist Foundation and the opportunity to turn that investment into meaningful change for Appalachian businesses and families," said Desmond Pierce, ETSU executive director of Annual Giving. "Advance Appalachia demonstrates how strategic philanthropy can create lasting impact by helping employers build stronger workplaces, support their workforce and contribute to the long-term prosperity of their communities." The inaugural cohort of Advance Appalachia launched on Thursday.