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Appalachian Regional Commission releases new strategic plan for 2022-2026

January 20, 2022

Building on takeaways from Appalachian stakeholders that included a preference to grow their own jobs through entrepreneurship and small business development rather than the traditional approach of business recruitment and new job creation, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) developed a four-year strategic plan.  The Appalachia Envisioned: A New Era of Opportunity plan sets strategic investment goals and objectives to build Appalachian businesses, workforce, infrastructure, culture and tourism, and community leaders.   

To help build Appalachian businesses, the plan recommends strengthening and diversifying the region’s economy through inclusive economic development strategies and investments in entrepreneurship and business development. It notes that it is particularly important to support start-up entrepreneurs and small businesses focused in high-growth industry sectors, such as manufacturing, technology, health, the arts, recreation and tourism, agriculture and food, and energy.  

ARC’s 2022-2026 Strategic plan can found here.

appalachia, strategic plan