South Brazoria News

The University of Texas at San Antonio Institute for Economic Development, in partnership with Retail Strategies, have launched the retail academy program in six Texas counties, including Giddings.

PR reports the Retail Academy has been designed to educate city leaders on business and retail recruitment, support for small businesses and real estate. The program is made possible nationally through U.S. Department of Agriculture grants. While as many as 30 communities across Texas applied for the program, only six have been awarded full funding by the USDA. 

“Our communities need additional support and resources now more than ever amid COVID-19,” Matthew Jackson, director at the UTSA Institute for Economic Development, said. “Retail Academy will be instrumental in providing the critical tools to our communities to help boost retail and small business. We are excited about this partnership and to give the Retail Academy program to the selected Texas communities."

The program was put together by Retail Strategies in an effort to guide policymakers in generating retail and restaurant business in their local communities as well as supporting already existing businesses. 

"We are very excited to begin the program with the UTSA Institute for Economic Development and to partner with communities across the state of Texas," Lacy Beasley, president of Retail Strategies, said.