Innovative Partnerships
E3 is an innovative partnership between Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the University of Illinois Extension and Monroe County Economic Development Corporation to support education, experiential learning, and economic development. Funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, E3 aims to use the tools of science and technology to accelerate economic development in industries primed to drive growth in rural America.
We are proud to partner with these institutions on the E3 Fueling Growth program:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition and related issues based on public policy, the best available science and effective management.
The USDA’s vision is to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve our Nation's natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds and healthy private working lands.
The USDA is made up of 29 agencies and offices with nearly 100,000 employees who serve the American people at more than 4,500 locations across the country and abroad.
University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois’ 102 counties—and far beyond. Extension provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. U of I Extension offers education programs in five areas:
- Energy and environmental stewardship
- Food safety and security
- Economic development and workforce preparedness
- Family health, financial security, and wellness
- Youth development
Monroe County Economic Development Corporation
The purpose of the Monroe County Economic Development Corporation (MCILEDC) is to encourage, promote, aid and assist economic development in the region. MCILEDC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization made up of business and government leaders dedicated to growing a more diversified local economy, a broader tax base and an enhanced quality of life for the region.
Metro East Small Business Development Center
The SIUE Small Business Development Center (SIUE SBDC) is a service to the community supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and SIUE School of Business.
SIUE operates two Small Business Development Centers and the International Trade Center. All centers provide resources and information to Southwestern Illinois entrepreneurs, business owners, small business service providers and the University community.
By assisting entrepreneurs and companies in defining their path to success, the SBDC network positively impacts the Metro East Illinois region by strengthening the business community, creating and retaining new jobs, and encouraging new investment. The SBDC enhances Metro East Illinois’ economic interests providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of advising, research, and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses. When appropriate, the SBDC strives to affiliate its ties to the Southwestern Illinois Region to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large.
