DriveSmart Auto Care Inc. will be able to offer up to 200 jobs for the community of Newport, AR.

TOMS RIVER, N.J., March 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Department of Commerce announced to award the city of Newport with a $2 million grant to support job creation and business growth.

This grant, presented by the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), will support DriveSmart Auto Care Inc. as they are preparing to open a new $5 million call center in Newport. The federal grant will be paired with $500,000 in local funds.

The new location in Newport, Arkansas marks the expansion as DriveSmart’s second office site. This office is projected to create 100 new jobs for the area and produce $900,000 in private investment.

“DriveSmart is grateful to be given this grant to expand our business into Arkansas,” said Daniel Rodd, founder of DriveSmart Auto Care Inc. “We are excited to create new employment opportunities for the community and be able to grow together.”

The federal funds were distributed under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act 2023. The EDA acquired $483 million in additional funding dedicated to disaster relief and recovery in particular regions that earned declarations.

These projects were enabled by the regional planning of the White River Planning and Development District, Inc. and the East Arkansas Planning and Development District. EDA funds both districts to unite the public and private sectors in crafting an economic development blueprint aimed at fortifying the regional economy, strengthening private capital investment, and generating employment opportunities.

For more information, visit https://drivesmartwarranty.com/.