Press Release
U.S. EDA Promotes Entrepreneurship in Washington, D.C.
September 14, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $600,000 grant to Operation Hope, Inc., of Washington, D.C. to provide small business technical assistance through counseling, classes, and resources that will promote new business development and job creation.
"Providing entrepreneurs with the critical skills and resources they need to flourish are critical components of economic recovery and growth." said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "Operation Hope has been a valued EDA partner since 2003 and we are pleased to support the entrepreneurial program at the D.C. Hope Center in Washington, D.C. to help create critical jobs for local citizens."
"The HOPE Centers are a network of community-based locations providing financial resources, literacy and counseling to people in underserved neighborhoods. The Operation HOPE Small Business Empowerment Program is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs from low-wealth neighborhoods. We combine business training and financial counseling with lending services—so our clients get all the tools and resources they need to make their dreams happen", John Hope Bryant, Operation Hope, Inc.
The Hope Center creates a favorable environment for businesses, assuring the resources are at reach with a one stop economic empowerment center and providing entrepreneurs with the critical skills and resources they need to flourish. This EDA investment will help cultivate new businesses and accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in the D.C. region by providing technical and financial services and workshops designed to enhance the skills of aspiring entrepreneurs from low-wealth neighborhoods.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov):
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.