COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by the U.S. Small Business Administration:

WHAT:   
SBA Deputy Administrator Douglas Kramer will join Ohio University officials and area economic development leaders to announce a significant investment in Appalachian Ohio and highlight the impact of the SBA's Regional Innovation Clusters, which accelerate business growth and job creation.      

WHEN:   
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Media Availability – 12:30 p.m.
Remarks – 2 p.m.

WHERE: 
Ohio University Inn
331 Richland Ave.
Athens, Ohio 45701

WHO:      
Douglas Kramer, SBA Deputy Administrator
Roderick McDavis, Ohio University president
Stephen Golding, Ohio University Vice president for finance and administration
John Molinaro, Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth president and CEO
Michelle Decker, Rural Action CEO

WHY:      
Small businesses are the engine of America's economy. By supporting economic clusters, which are focused on growing a specific industry via geographically-linked small businesses, large companies, academic institutions and service providers, the SBA measurably connects public and private resources to provide small businesses with specialized assistance, mentoring, showcasing and access to capital.

The SBA's Regional Innovation Cluster Initiative, which launched in fall 2010, has shown above average outcomes in economic growth, employment, business creation, innovation and social impact. The value of economic activity reported for the Initiative's third year totaled more than $3.9 billion, including more than $42 million in capital and more than $7 million in grants, and higher growth in employment, revenues and payrolls when compared to firms not participating in clusters.

Release Number: MA 15-54

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SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration