In a request to the Indiana General Assembly, Purdue University proposes to further stimulate Indiana's economy with a $5 million Advancing Indiana Manufacturing initiative. The plan will help the state's manufacturing sector adapt to emerging technologies and the changing economy.

An improved manufacturing base will help kick-start our economy and benefit the food, agriculture and natural resource system. Better technologies help producers increase production efficiencies, help entrepreneurs capitalize on niche markets and help grow off-farm employment opportunities. Part of Purdue's plan is a new Center for Advanced Manufacturing to assist state businesses.

Purdue Extension is another part of the university’s efforts to rev up Indiana’s economic engine. With educators in all of the state's 92 counties, Purdue Extension is an important gateway for the university's collective economic development initiatives. Extension educators help point people to resources at Purdue and in the community, region and state.

Among Purdue Extension programs currently building businesses and enlightening entrepreneurs are the Ag Innovations and Commercialization Center and New Ventures Team. These efforts help people write business plans, conduct feasibility studies, find funding sources and network with others.

You can learn more about these opportunities by contacting Purdue Agriculture, your local Purdue Extension office or call 1-888-EXT-INFO.

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