East Tennessee State University has launched Advance Appalachia, a new workforce development initiative that helps small businesses across Appalachia improve employee retention, strengthen workplace culture and create family-supportive workplaces with support from Truist Foundation.

Strong communities start with strong workplaces.

East Tennessee State University is launching Advance Appalachia, a new initiative designed to help small businesses across the region build stronger workplaces, improve employee retention and create lasting benefits for working families.

Through Advance Appalachia, ETSU will provide local small businesses with research-based training, mentorship, implementation support and grant funding opportunities to create family-supportive workplaces where employees can thrive. Businesses will also have the opportunity to compete in a pitch competition next spring for additional funding to support innovative workforce retention strategies.

The initiative is supported by a $250,000 grant from Truist Foundation to the East Tennessee State University Research Corporation and is led by the ETSU/Ballad Health Strong BRAIN Institute (SBI) in collaboration with the Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development and ETSU University Advancement.

“Advance Appalachia is an opportunity to put that research into real, actionable practice with the small businesses in our region,” said Dr. Mary Jo Hedrick, associate director of research for the ETSU Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development. “For ETSU, this grant demonstrates that we are a university rooted in Appalachia, and this work is one of the most direct ways we can fulfill our commitment to the health and prosperity of the communities we serve.”

“At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said DeAnna Hughes, Truist market president for the Tri-Cities.  “Advance Appalachia brings that purpose to life by helping small businesses build stronger workplaces where employees and families can thrive. Through our collaboration with ETSU, we’re investing in practical solutions that can strengthen businesses, expand opportunity and create lasting impact across the region.”

The program is targeted toward small businesses in the region with annual revenues of less than $1 million. Participating employers will engage in the SBI’s Better Workplaces framework, a nationally recognized approach that helps organizations strengthen workplace culture, employee well-being and workforce stability.

“We're grateful for the support of Truist Foundation and the opportunity to turn that investment into meaningful change for Appalachian businesses and families,” said Desmond Pierce, ETSU executive director of Annual Giving. “Advance Appalachia demonstrates how strategic philanthropy can create lasting impact by helping employers build stronger workplaces, support their workforce and contribute to the long-term prosperity of their communities."

The initiative addresses workforce challenges that affect Appalachian communities, including employee turnover, labor force participation and job absenteeism. Program leaders say stronger workplace practices can help create greater stability for employees and their families while improving business performance and competitiveness.

The inaugural cohort of the program will launch on Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Ron Hite Board Room at the Model Mill in Johnson City. Refreshments will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by program remarks at 5 p.m. Community members, employers and regional partners are invited to attend.

About Advance Appalachia

Advance Appalachia is a workforce and economic development initiative led by the Strong BRAIN Institute in collaboration with East Tennessee State University's Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development and University Advancement. The program helps small businesses create family-supportive, trauma-informed workplaces through training, coaching, peer learning and implementation funding opportunities. Supported by Truist Foundation, the initiative aims to strengthen workforce stability and improve outcomes for Appalachian families and communities.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truistfoundation.org.

‍