Regional Resource Hub: Driving Connectivity and Resilience Across the Cradle of Southern Appalachia

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The Regional Resource Hub, powered by Thrive, connects communities to the information, relationships, and tools they need to shape a strong and resilient future.

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The Regional Resource Hub project strengthens the tri-state economy by providing capacity-building initiatives that advance workforce development and community resilience across the 16-county region of southeast Tennessee, northwest Georgia, and northeast Alabama.

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Backed by a $2.87 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) by the Appalachian Regional Commission and requiring $2,256,969 in local match funding, the project contributes $5.1 million in total regional investment over five years. Now in Year 2, the project has expanded programs, already reaching new communities in southeast Tennessee, northwest Georgia, and northeast Alabama.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) supports the Regional Resource Hub through ARISE, a multi-state initiative that aims to drive large-scale, regional economic transformation through collaborative projects.

Thrive Is the Region’s Resource Hub.

Through the Regional Resource Hub initiative, we help communities:

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Prepare students for jobs in this region. Manufacturing and transportation are the backbone of this region's economy. A successful data-driven supply chain management curriculum is preparing students at secondary and higher education institutions for careers that already exist right where they live.

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Upskill residents through digital skills training and access to essential technology, increasing connection to the modern economy.

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Prepare for the impacts of severe weather through resilience planning, technical assistance, and catalytic funding for nature-based solutions in 10 communities.

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Plan for growth with better data through the Resource Hub data platform, a single, trusted data and mapping resource for local decision-makers.

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How Can the Resource Hub Support Your Community?

The Resource Hub initiative coordinates partners, shares resources, and strengthens capacity in communities of all shapes and sizes across the tri-state. Here are a few ways to get involved:

Bring the Tech Goes Home and Resilient Communities program to your community
Introduce Thrive to an educator in your community to adapt the supply chain curriculum.
Be a beta tester for the Regional Resource Hub data platform
Become an investor. Every dollar of local match funding extends the impact of this significant federal investment.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible to participate in the Regional Resource Hub project?

Any municipality or county within the tri-state, 16-county region in Thrive’s footprint is eligible to participate in this capacity-building initiative.

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Organizations that participate in programs such as Resilient Communities and Tech Goes Home include, but are not limited to, local governments, local businesses, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and engaged residents.

How do I sign up for a program?

These projects are in various stages of implementation. To participate in any of the programs mentioned above, please contact us directly.

How is the Regional Resource Hub funded?

This project is supported in part by a $2.87 million federal grant awarded to Thrive Regional Partnership by the Appalachian Regional Commission under the Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) which drives large-scale, regional economic transformation through collaborative projects.

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Thrive and its partners are bringing $2,256,969 in match funding to this project, for a total project cost of $5.1 million over the next five years.

How do I invest in this project?

An investment in Thrive can serve as matching funds for this federal implementation grant, increasing its impact in local communities. To participate in this project as an investor, please contact us directly for more information.