This EDA investment supports the centerstate NY smart systems coalition, led by the centerstate corporation for economic opportunity, with their proposal to support the successful development of the…

The Centerstate Corporation for Economic Opportunity (Centerstate Corp) received a $499,906 Project Grant award from the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) under the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program. The funding will support the Centerstate NY Smart Systems Coalition led by Centerstate Corp to develop the unmanned aerial systems cluster in Central New York as part of New York State's Semiconductor Corridor initiative.

Specifically, the Coalition will pursue an eight-project strategy prioritizing inclusive training, entrepreneurship, and small business development opportunities tied to the smart systems sector. This includes leveraging existing equity-focused workforce and small business initiatives and developing new large-scale inclusive programs. The two-year award period beginning December 2021 allows the Coalition to implement its vision for equitable regional economic growth in the unmanned aerial systems industry.

This EDA investment supports the centerstate NY smart systems coalition, led by the centerstate corporation for economic opportunity, with their proposal to support the successful development of the unmanned aerial systems cluster in central new york. Tied directly to new york states semiconductor corridor effort, the coalitions strategy consists of a two-pronged approach: developing new, large-scale, inclusive training and entrepreneurship opportunities; and leveraging and scaling successful equity-based initiatives focused on inclusive workforce and small business development. If provided an implementation grant, the coalition proposes to prioritize eight interconnected smart systems cluster projects with a vision for achieving equitable economic growth in the region.