The EDA University Center is the University of Wisconsin-Stout's Economic Development Administration organization, contributing to the growth of Wisconsin's economy by providing assistance to small and medium-sized businesses in Wisconsin, neighboring Minnesota, and nationally.
Since January 2006, the EDA-UC has provided support to over 1,100 individuals and more than 140 companies. This support includes over 70 projects and more than 40 events.
The UW-Stout EDA-UC collaborated in transitioning the successful Manufacturing Workforce Development Initiative project into the Midwest Digital Fabrication Lab Project.
The EDA University Center helps companies
· Create more effective manufacturing, service, and business processes
· Increase efficiency
· Expand market opportunities
· Increase the use of technology
· Improve internal and external business relationships
· Develop growth strategies.
UW-Stout's EDA-University Center is partially funded by the US Department of Commerce - Economic Development Administration (EDA). The EDA's mission is "To lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting
innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy". One way the EDA accomplishes this is to assist Universities throughout the country to respond to their region's economic development needs. UW-Stout is Wisconsin's EDA-UC. Sister University Centers in our Great Lakes area are located in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
The Center is a unique resource for technology and business information. The Center sponsors a number of technology and business-related events. Through its ongoing seminars and training events, the EDA Center has educated hundreds of business leaders about advanced and emerging skills needed to effectively and efficiently grow and sustain a profitable business. Additionally, the Center provides professional consulting services upon request. These professional consulting services often incorporate applied research through UW-Stout faculty-led graduate student projects, providing clients with additional layers of support for their growth objectives and contributing to the economic development of the region.
The Center works in conjunction with twelve other technical assistance outreach programs within the Stout Technology Transfer Institute (STTI). STTI services include outreach efforts to better serve the ever-changing business environment.
The EDA University Center is an invaluable resource for Wisconsin, neighboring Minnesota companies, and international businesses.