UTIA Family, please refer to utk.edu/coronavirus for the latest updates and student information. For UTIA-specific resources, including event information and county office status, please visit utia.tennessee.edu/coronavirus .

Community Economic Development

University of Tennessee Extension’s Community Economic Development Team assists Tennesseans and their communities in areas such as small business transition and growth, entrepreneurial training, workforce development, and technology transfer.
Person using computer

Digital divide is defined as the gap between underserved communities that have poor or limited internet access and the communities that have relatively better access to broadband internet (25 megabits per second download/3 megabits per second upload speeds).

Impacts of the digital divide have been broadly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn about the digital divide index in your county and across Tennessee.

Scenic view

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants in Tennessee provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

Find resources from the Rural Energy for America Program Virtual Workshop.

Picture of women shopping at farmer's market

Navigating the new challenges of COVID-19 is a daunting task for businesses, families, and Tennessee’s direct farm marketers, and value-added agriculture entrepreneurs and agritourism operators are no exception. We have developed a listing of resources to support farmers who are making critical decisions and business adjustments during this time.

Find useful resources from our Center for Profitable Agriculture

Mobile Hotspot Lending Program

Broadband internet is still out of reach for many rural communities in Tennessee. Recent statistics indicate that rural residents have limited access to broadband internet (25 download/3 upload megabits per second) in Tennessee. The State of Tennessee’s rural broadband initiative is a step in the right direction but it will likely take years before infrastructure will be in place to provide reliable and affordable internet to rural residents. UT Extension is addressing the digital divide through the library mobile hotspot lending program across 7 counties and Digital Literacy Skills Training program.

UPCOMING EVENTS
EXPLORE ALL EVENTS

Explore our catalog of educational materials.

BROWSE
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
VIEW MORE NEWS

See how your local Extension agent can provide solutions for your life.

Find Your County Office
  • Office of the Dean
  • 2621 Morgan Hall, Suite 121
  • Knoxville, TN 37996
  • P: 865-974-7114

Rob Holland
Interim Assistant Dean and Director

Faculty & Staff Team Site

Extension Evaluation and Staff Development