The 2011 Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge

The Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge (Jobs Accelerator) is a coordinated inter-agency effort designed to spur job creation and economic growth in regions across the country. In 2011 the $37 million multi-agency competition supported the advancement of 20 high-growth, regional industry clusters. Investments from three federal agencies and technical assistance from 13 additional agencies are promoting development in areas such as advanced manufacturing, informational technology, aerospace, and clean technology in regions in 21 states. The 20 winning projects are expected to create more than 4,800 jobs and 300 new businesses, as well as retain another 2,400 jobs and train approximately 4,000 workers for careers in high-growth industries, according to grantee estimates. The 2011 Jobs Accelerator funding agencies include the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA), and the Small Business Administration (SBA). View the 2011 winning projects.