Athens, Ohio -- Ohio University has received $254,645 from the Governor's Office of Science and Technology to support its ongoing effort to boost high-tech and small business growth in Appalachian Ohio.

The grant will be used to support the Voinovich Center's Appalachian Regional Economic Initiative, which assists emerging entrepreneurs by increasing their technical expertise and access to technology.

"The emergence of the information age gives our region an unparalleled opportunity to expand its economy while preserving our culture and way of life," said Ohio University President Robert Glidden. "This important investment will help Ohio University as it bolsters high-growth businesses and the high-paying jobs they provide. We can be thankful that Governor Taft shares this commitment to economic renewal in Appalachian Ohio."

Not yet a year old, AREI is already quite active. It recently launched a one-stop small business web site, www.arei.org,which offers guidance on everything from accounting to insurance. And it also offers high-end, custom consulting to high growth regional businesses.

"Public grants that help support private efforts are critical, because, among other things, they help create a local tax base," said Governor's Office of Appalachia Director Joy Padgett. "That's a win for everybody. Those dollars will pay for themselves over and over again."

In addition to offering advice and technical expertise, AREI gives special attention to making sure small businesses have sufficient access to capital. The Appalachian Ohio Development Fund and other economic development organizations such as the Appalachian Center for Economic Networks are working closely with Ohio University to ensure regional businesses have the access to capital and business technical assistance to fully realize their plans.

For more information about AREI and its services, please contact Greg Carlin at (740) 5971693 or email him at greg@arei.org.