Economic Development Administration Awards $190,000 to University of Guam’s Guam Enterprise Initiative

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a $190,000 grant to the University of Guam (UOG) for the Guam Enterprise Initiative.

The funding that supports the Guam Enterprise Initiative will be used to strengthen our region’s economy by increasing exports, tourism, and global marketplace competition. Receiving an EDA grant is a competitive process that is awarded based on the availability of funds, applicant’s eligibility, and the application’s merit.

“These funds will help the University of Guam promote and inspire entrepreneurship and innovation, which will in turn stimulate our island’s economy,” said Congresswoman Bordallo. “In their position as the highest level of educators in the Western Pacific region the University of Guam offers tertiary education to its students. Funds such as these from the EDA are vital to the growth of this institution and the success of its graduates who the future leaders of our island.”

Dr. Robert Underwood, President of the University of Guam, said, “This grant will provide another avenue for the University of Guam to act as a catalyst for economic growth in our island. We will develop innovative programs that link the production of goods and services to the perpetuation of our island culture and heritage and stimulate economic activities.”

Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, Interim Senior Vice President and Project Director for UOG Pacific Center for Economic Initiatives and author of the grant added, “The Guam Enterprise Initiative is good for all Guamanians, especially those residing in the non-central villages that want to participate in Guam’s tourism industry within their village setting. Enterprises featuring products from Guam’s villages will enhance our visitors’ experience outside of traditional tourism districts and encourage interaction with residents, promote Guam’s unique products, create jobs, increase production skills, and ultimately help create economic opportunities for everyone.”