EDA Investment Supports Business and Workforce Development in Southern New Hampshire

Today I was honored to join Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Kelly Ayotte, Representative Carol Shea-Porter, and a host of local economic and business leaders to celebrate the opening of a new business development and job training facility that will serve 41 towns and cities in Southern New Hampshire. 

The Regional Economic Development Center of Southern New Hampshire’s new business and job training center is a unique facility. Both business management and workforce training will be delivered in an efficient learning environment. Resources will be provided for entrepreneurs and small businesses to conduct research and receive technical assistance, and space will be available for start-up enterprises to conduct limited business in a professional environment. 

Supporting job-creating entrepreneurs and ensuring that America has a strong and skilled workforce is essential to our economic competitiveness. 

That is why Secretary Pritzker - a business leader with more than 25 years of experience - has made innovation a key pillar of the Commerce Department’s “Open for Business Agenda.” 

Secretary Pritzker is the first U.S. Secretary of Commerce to focus on how we can best prepare workers with in-demand job skills as part of efforts to continue innovating and remain globally competitive. 

The Commerce Department plays a key role in partnering with businesses to facilitate industry-driven training programs. 

The need for the Regional Economic Development Center was identified in the 2011 report of the U.S. Dept. of Commerce New Hampshire Commercial Fisheries Economic Development Assistance Team, and it was recommended for implementation within Rockingham Economic Development District. 

This center will play a critical role in the regional economy, increasing the focus on innovation, a highly skilled workforce, and more efficient business practices. 

This investment builds on more than $15 million that EDA has invested in 30 projects in the State of New Hampshire since the beginning of FY 2009. These projects are expected to create or retain 1,500 jobs and leverage $25.4 million in private investment according to grantee estimates. 

We will continue working with local regions like Southern New Hampshire to strengthen our economy and put more Americans back to work.