b'INNOVATION IS MORE THAN A WORDITS IN OUR DNATechnology-Based Economic DevelopmentRecognizing its duty of corporate citizenship, Idaho Nationalwhich is aimed at creating a statewide collaborative hub for Laboratory is a vital and enthusiastic partner in Idaho economiccompetency-based training, with the mission of reducing risk development at all levels around the state. Battelle Energyand producing a cybersecurity workforce in sync with Idahos Alliance provided several grants in FY 2021 to aid job creationbusiness, technology and government sectors. The BEA grant and workforce development. Here is a breakdown of where thatcan help lay the groundwork for a cybersecurity hub in eastern money was spent. Idaho to support economic development efforts.City of Idaho Falls and REDI: $55,700. When the city of IdahoIdaho Falls Womens Business Center: $20,000. This builds Falls and Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idahoon an INL grant from FY20 that was instrumental in creating (REDI) announced their vision for an innovation district onthe Idaho Falls Womens Business Center,which opened in vacant land adjacent to INLs operations on the citys north side,October 2020. This follow-on grant will enable the center to Battelle Energy Alliance responded with a $55,700 grant to helpexpand its partnership with local institutions (such as the fund a master plan. In addition to INLs laboratories and offices,College of Eastern Idaho) to offer online counseling and training Idaho State University and the University of Idaho have theirto aspiring women entrepreneurs in rural areas. The Idaho Falls operations in this part of the city. It is also home to the Center forcenter is the fourth branch of the Idaho Womens Business Advanced Energy Studies, a consortium that includes INL, ISU,Center, which has facilities in Nampa, Moscow and Twin Falls. UI, and Boise State University. Innovation districts are created inIts mission is to support women in business across Idaho by or near major cities where a specific field of business or researchhelping them find resources, mentorships and networking creates a hub for broader economic development. Probablyneeded to become successful. Before the U.S. Small Business the best-known innovation district in the United States is NorthAdministration opened the first branch in 2019, Idaho was one Carolinas Research Triangle, which includes three cities andof just three states without a Womens Business Center.three high-profile universities. By making the north side of IdahoIdaho Rural Partnerships (IRP): $5,000. The Idaho Rural Falls an innovation district, the city hopes to spur a focusedPartnership offers critical recovery assistance to local expansion of businesses and amenities in the area and perhapscommunities as the state continues to address the impacts of provide an incentive for developers to build homes that givethe COVID-19 pandemic. INLs economic development grant people easy access to work. assists the organization as it identifies recovery needs in eastern Boise State University Institute for Pervasive Cybersecurity:Idaho communities with the goal of improving economic $25,000. This project is intended to help rural communitiesand social conditions. INL also provides support to The Idaho evaluate cybersecurity vulnerabilities and will offer cityRuralist, the partnerships e-newsletter.and county officials opportunities to receive cybersecurity training. The project ties into the states Cyberdome initiative, 19'