Southern University Received $1.275 Million Federal Grant
The school will launch a new business center to support rural firms in Baton Rouge and beyond.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Financial Aid
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Southern University and A&M College secured a $1.275 million federal award from the Minority Business Development Agency. The grant will establish the Louisiana Innovation for Thriving Rural Business Center to assist small business owners with capital and manufacturing.
Why it matters
The program aims to bolster rural economic development by helping business owners secure loans, navigate public-sector contracts, and master advanced manufacturing techniques. It positions the university as a key hub for supply chain integration in the region.
The university aims to support 600 jobs and unlock $2.125 million in capital for small businesses. It is one of three HBCUs selected nationwide to host a Rural Business Center under this program.
The players
Southern University and A&M College
An HBCU based in Baton Rouge that serves as a central hub for higher education and economic research in Louisiana.
Minority Business Development Agency
A federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that promotes the growth and global competitiveness of minority-owned businesses.
The details
Operating out of the College of Business, the center will utilize resources from the Law Center, the College of Sciences and Engineering, and the Advanced Metal Additive Manufacturing Laboratory. Clients will receive hands-on training for testing metal components used in agriculture, energy, and defense sectors.
Timeline
The federal grant funding period spans three years.
Culture Shift
This project reflects a broader trend of integrating academic research facilities with private sector small business growth. By leveraging university labs for supply chain training, Southern University aligns with the national move to decentralize industrial innovation.
Rural business owners in the area will soon have access to specialized loan preparation services and technical manufacturing training. These resources aim to provide local firms with the tools needed to secure government contracts and expand their professional operations.
The takeaway
The center projects that it will assist 500 clients and integrate 50 new firms into federal supply chains by the end of its funding term. Interested entrepreneurs should monitor university updates to determine when enrollment for these business services opens.
Further reading
Learn more about support programs available in the region by visiting our Financial Aid hub.
Live Poll
Do you believe government-funded business hubs effectively help small businesses in your local community grow?
