The partnership, announced at the Heartland Summit in Bentonville, Arkansas, connects the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development with a program that provides data-driven tools to attract private investment. By building on existing efforts in Lawrenceburg and Chattanooga, the state plans to scale these resources to reach more mid-sized and rural municipalities. Governor Bill Lee emphasized that the initiative will help local leaders articulate their economic potential to outside investors, effectively leveling the playing field against larger, high-profile markets.
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Tennessee Partners With Heartland Forward to Boost Regional Investment
Tennessee has become the first state to formally partner with Heartland Forward’s Center for Investment Readiness, an initiative designed to help smaller communities secure capital and drive economic development. The agreement marks a significant expansion of the program, aiming to replicate success previously seen in individual pilot sites across the country.
This collaboration is central to the Center for Investment Readiness’ broader goal of generating $100 million in economic impact across 30 communities by 2030. As part of the agreement, the state will assist in selecting participating communities and host an investor-focused event in 2027. The project receives backing from founding partners including JPMorganChase, the Ford Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation, and Edward Jones, all of whom are focused on fostering long-term regional stability and small business growth.
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