The Investment Readiness Centers of Heartland Forward ( Center , for , Investment Readiness , collectively referred to as CIR ) have expanded their cooperation in Tennessee, establishing new partnerships to help more communities transform their local strengths into new economic growth opportunities. CIR provides communities with data, tools, and contact resources to assist them in attracting capital, enhancing local opportunities, and preparing for long-term growth. This announcement was made at the flagship event Heartland Forward Heartland Summit, which took place in Bentonville, Arkansas, and was attended by 350 policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, philanthropists, and thought leaders from across the United States.
Heartland Forward President Angie Cooper stated: "After piloting investment readiness centers in 10 communities, we have witnessed firsthand how the right data, tools, and contact resources can enhance economic competitiveness. Our first state-level collaboration is an exciting next step, as we apply the lessons we've learned to more core communities, starting with Tennessee."
In Tennessee, Heartland Forward will build upon the previous work carried out at Lawrenceburg and Chattanooga, and in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, promote CIR to more communities throughout the state.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee stated, "Tennessee is one of the best places in the United States for doing business. Our collaboration with Heartland Forward ensures that these opportunities continue to benefit every Tennessean. The Investment Ready Center provides small and medium-sized communities in Tennessee with the data, tools, and insights needed to attract investment, tell their stories, and enhance their growth potential."
This collaboration will play a key role in promoting the expansion of CIR. The goal of CIR is to collaborate with 30 communities to create an economic impact of 100 million dollars by 2030. As a partner, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development will help identify and screen the communities and act as a liaison between the community leaders and the senior economic support team at CIR. In addition, Tennessee will also cooperate with Heartland Forward to organize an event in 2027 aimed at bringing investors to communities in heartlands with economic development opportunities, allowing these communities to have direct access to the capital they need for their development.
The Deputy Governor and Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Stuart McWhorter, stated: "The Investment Readiness Centers of Heartland Forward will help families in Tennessee to have a real and tangible impact. This public-private partnership will enable us to better provide data, expertise, and capital connections for communities of all sizes across the state, in order to accelerate economic growth."
As a founding partner, JPMorganChase provided support for the launch and expansion of the Investment Readiness Center, enabling communities in the Heartland to access insights, technical assistance, and network resources that contribute to sustained economic growth. Other founding sponsors of the center include Edward Jones, Ford Foundation, and Walton Family Foundation.
JPMorganChase Global Head of Corporate Responsibility Tim Berry stated: "The Heartland is crucial to the future of the United States. We aim to make it easier for communities in this region to start and grow small businesses, to provide more people with good jobs, and to help build industries that will drive economic growth for future generations. Through our collaboration with Heartland Forward and the Investment Ready Centers, we are helping communities unlock new opportunities for growth and investment. This is also part of our broader American Dream Initiative initiative, which is dedicated to helping more people build a better family future and realize their American Dream."
Ford Foundation Senior Project Officer at Mission Investments Margot Brandenburg stated: "We are proud to support the work of Investment Ready Centers in empowering communities across Tennessee. This initiative provides critical data, tools, and relationship resources that enable people in the heart of America to truly thrive and address today's challenges."
Walton Family Foundation Home Region Program Senior Project Officer Yee - Lin Lai indicates: "Entrepreneurs help communities grow by turning their ideas into businesses and jobs. Through CIR, Heartland Forward is helping communities better understand the level of support they have for entrepreneurs, as well as areas for improvement, thereby enabling local leaders to make more informed decisions about where to focus their efforts."
Edward Jones, Director of Economic Liquidity, and David Stiffler stated: "In Edward Jones, we are honored to stand alongside Heartland Forward and, through our Financial Futures project, open the door to wealth accumulation and economic mobility for heartlands. What inspires us most is how Heartland Forward transforms data into stories that allow people to see their own reflections—a story that brings people together and drives action. Few organizations can think so boldly, act with such purpose, and have such a meaningful impact. We are proud to support this important work."
CIR Initially launched in 10 communities in the heartland: Tennessee Chattanooga, Oklahoma Enid, Kansas Hutchinson, Iowa Iowa City, Missouri Joplin, Tennessee Lawrenceburg, Illinois Mt, Sterling, Oklahoma Perry, Illinois Rockford, and Wisconsin Wausau. The project strengthened connections with capital providers, increased the visibility of investment opportunities, and helped communities in the central United States to be in a more equitable position when competing for investments with well-known markets.
For more information about CIR and to participate, please visit heartlandforward.org / center-for-investment-readiness.
About Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a non-profit, policy-oriented think-and-do tank dedicated to transforming ideas into action in state and local communities. Its mission is to accelerate economic growth, change the narrative about the Central United States, and create a $500 million economic impact in the Heartland by 2030. The organization achieves this goal through applied research, community-driven projects, policies, and conferences, with a focus on regional competitiveness, talent pipelines, as well as health and well-being.
About Heartland Summit
Heartland Summit was co-founded in 2018 by Olivia Walton, Tom Walton, and Steuart Walton with the aim of promoting economic growth and changing the narrative about the Central United States. This summit serves as a platform for candid discussions on common challenges, fostering positive actions, and strengthening connections.
