Abilene Times

The University of Texas at San Antonio Institute for Economic Development, in partnership with Retail Strategies, have launched the retail academy program in 30 Texas communities, including Sweetwater.

Borger, Giddings, Lamesa, Perryton and Tahoka were also among the communities that competed to be included in the program, according to the university’s press release. The training is funded through a United States Department of Agriculture grant program.

“Our communities need additional support and resources now more than ever amid COVID-19,” Matthew Jackson, director at the UTSA Institute for Economic Development, said. “Retail Academy will be instrumental in providing the critical tools to our communities to help boost retail and small business. We are excited about this partnership and to give the Retail Academy program to the selected Texas communities."

The program was put together by Retail Strategies in an effort to guide policymakers in generating retail and restaurant business in their local communities as well as supporting already existing businesses. 

"We are very excited to begin the program with the UTSA Institute for Economic Development and to partner with communities across the state of Texas," Lacy Beasley, president of Retail Strategies, said.