An incubator that serves south-central Missouri has received a grant from the Delta Region Authority, officials announced last week.
Ozarks Small Business Incubator in West Plains was awarded more than $50,000 to develop a comprehensive strategic plan that will focus on strengthening business growth and entrepreneurship throughout the distressed and persistent poverty in the region.
The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) awarded nearly $1.8 million to 16 communities through its Strategic Planning Program, a funding opportunity providing communities within the region with the necessary resources to develop strategies that maximize opportunities in public infrastructure, workforce development and small business development and entrepreneurship. DRA has invested approximately $3.3 million toward 29 projects in its final round of funding for the 2025 fiscal year.
“The Strategic Planning Program gives public entities across DRA’s footprint the ability to address long-standing challenges and to develop a course of action for economic growth and revitalization,” said Dr. Corey Wiggins, federal co-chairman. “This investment will better position communities to build stronger foundations for future development and sustained infrastructure improvements.”