WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Congressman Dan Boren announced today the award of a $500,000 grant to Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma Inc. The “Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals” (JOLI) program grant, awarded by the U.S. Department Health and Human Services, will help create self-employment and small businesses such as childcare, cosmetology, food and agriculture, and other sectors. REI will use the funds for the implementation of the “Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Low-Income Oklahomans” Project.
“I am pleased this economic development funding is coming to rural Oklahoma,” Boren said. “These grants will help REI continue to provide the training and business development services that are so crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty for these families.”
Through the provision of general business training, industry specific training, case management and access to capital, the 80-hourcurriculum for low-income individuals will culminate with a complete business plan for each program participant. Project clients will then be eligible to participate in the Entrepreneurship Opportunities Revolving Loan Fund (EO-RLF), created by a portion of the JOLI grant funds.
“We are very excited about receiving the JOLI award,” said Tom Seth Smith, REI President & CEO. “What makes it so exciting is that it will be a real hands-on, real-life experience project as low-income individuals receive training, assistance and access to capital to start a small enterprise. Helping families develop self-employment and micro-business opportunities are goals worthy to pursue.”
REI has created a partnership agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families” (TANF) program for client referral. REI’s “Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Low-Income Oklahomans” Project will promote community economic development, and will guide the clients down a path toward self-sufficiency. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services awards approximately $5.5 million JOLI grants each year.
####
