Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $500,000 to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy in New York City, New York

January 15, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $500,000 grant to Operation Hope, Inc., of New York, N.Y., to provide business technical assistance to entrepreneurs through the Operation Hope small business and workforce empowerment initiative.

"Economic recovery and growth are top priorities for the Obama Administration," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John R. Fernandez. "This EDA grant will strengthen Operation Hope's small business and workforce empowerment initiative, which is creating new higher-skill, living-wage jobs in the New York metropolitan region by providing entrepreneurs with the critical business skills they need to flourish."

"Operation Hope's entrepreneurial training curriculum provides training to individuals in the areas of customer service, computer and internet technologies, credit counseling, and in starting and operating business enterprises. The entrepreneurial training curriculum provides the necessary tools and business practices for growth," said John H. Bryant, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Operation Hope.

EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster economic growth and job creation. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the global economy.

Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.