Knight Foundation grant to boost entrepreneurship in College Hill
By Mike Stucka
A $2.3 million grant announced Friday is planned to strengthen the College Hill corridor section of Macon by developing jobs.
Mercer University is receiving the money from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation over three years. The money will continue the years-long effort on “place making” in line with a master plan, which is being coordinated through the College Hill Alliance.
But the new grant brings a new focus on creating an “innovation corridor,” leveraging Mercer University’s faculty and students to support entrepreneurs who would live and work in the area.
“Now it’s time to look at the next phase, sustainable jobs,” said Beverly Blake, Macon program director for the Knight Foundation.
The university’s expertise and other resources will benefit entrepreneurs, who could recruit Mercer students, said Nadia Osman, spokeswoman for the College Hill Alliance. Those skilled students could then remain in town with good jobs. Entrepreneurs could be developed on campus, locally, regionally or even nationally, Osman said.
Blake said a nonprofit organization, Jumpstart America, will help create the plan to foster entrepreneurship. That plan will take shape in the next six to 12 months.
Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. We believe that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more, visit www.knightfoundation.org.About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation