Work is underway to construct an entrance to Entrepreneur Park on East Winthrope Avenue. The project is being funded through a USDA grant to the Jenkins County Development Authority. (Staff photo by Deborah Bennett) Development of the East Winthrope Avenue entrance to Entrepreneur Park has begun.

Funds for the project were provided through a $99,000 USDA Rural Development grant received by the Jenkins County Development Authority (JCDA) in March 2009.

The industrial park is a 97 acre site purchased by the JCDA with the assistance of OneGeorgia funds and is located off Georgia Hwy. 21. The location is considered ideal for small businesses because it is surrounded by residences.

Plans for the project include an office building with supporting equipment and software and other business accessories that would be needed.

Jenkins County has been designated an “Entrepreneur Friendly” county by the state and will have contributed $40,000 in in-kind services and cash to the project.

The Rural Business Enterprise Grant program is designed to stimulate economic development and job creation in rural areas.