SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES $120,000 FOR AMOSKEAG BUSINESS INCUBATOR IN MANCHESTER
Funding will help the Incubator to attract foreign business investment to the region
(Manchester, NH) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced today that her request for $120,000 to support the Amoskeag Business Incubator in Manchester has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. This funding project will allow the Incubator to obtain a "Soft Landings International Incubator Designation," certifying it as a great place for foreign companies to land and do business in the United States. This designation will be the first of its kind in New Hampshire and one of only six in the United States. The funding request now goes to the full Senate for final passage.
"With small businesses employing so many people in New Hampshire and across the country, we need to make sure they have the resources they need make payroll, keep shelves stocked, and find new business opportunities, especially in this tough economy," said Shaheen. "Many economists believe that a sustained recovery from this recession depends in large part on export growth. To make that happen, I believe we need to help small businesses sell their products and services to customers all over the world, and I'm so glad this funding will assist Manchester-area businesses in doing just that."
Julie Gustafson, President & CEO of the Amoskeag Business Incubator, added, "This funding will be vital in establishing a Soft Landings International Incubator Designation for the Amoskeag Business Incubator. Basically, it will show the world that our incubator is a ‘great landing place' for international companies. We're extremely grateful for Senator Shaheen's support and excited about the opportunity to create economic development for New Hampshire."
The funding was approved by the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 Financial Services, General Government Appropriations bill, which includes $200,000 for projects in New Hampshire.
Shaheen has been dedicated to helping New Hampshire's small businesses since she took office. As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Shaheen recently organized a Small Business Financing Fair in Manchester, which was attended by over 500 vendors and attendees, to help current and small business owners to identify all financing options available to them. Shaheen also met with hundreds of New Hampshire small business owners during her statewide Small Business Tour earlier this year.
