SHAHEEN SECURES $120,000 FOR AMOSKEAG BUSINESS INCUBATOR IN MANCHESTER
Funding will help the Incubator to attract foreign business investment to the region
(Washington, D.C.)-U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced today that her request for $120,000 to support the Amoskeag Business Incubator in Manchester is expected to be signed into law by President Obama later this week. This funding, which was approved by the Senate as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 Omnibus Appropriations bill, 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.
"Small businesses create jobs in New Hampshire and across the country, and 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."
"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," said Julie Gustafson, President and CEO of the Amoskeag Business Incubator.
Since joining the Senate, Shaheen has been dedicated to helping New Hampshire's small businesses. She has cosponsored legislation to strengthen SBA programs that assist small exporters. Shaheen has also cosponsored legislation to strengthen the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and ensure OPIC is dedicating resources to help small companies export. And just last week, Shaheen chaired a hearing on the need to strengthen the transatlantic partnership, as U.S.-Europe trade can play an important role in economic recovery.
