U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.4 Million for Building Renovations to Support Workforce Development in Boston, Massachusetts

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.4 million grant to the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts, to support workforce development in the region.

This grant will renovate three buildings to support the Center for Equity and Prosperity, providing small business technical assistance to low-income residents. This EDA investment will be matched with $357,354 in local funds and is expected to create or retain nearly 1,250 jobs and generate $771,800 in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda is about ensuring that all communities have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will help the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation deliver the workforce training opportunities that local communities need to grow and thrive.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally developed strategies designed to create economic opportunity,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs Cristina Killingsworth. “This investment will provide residents of historically underserved communities with the resources they need to start and grow their own businesses, helping to diversify the local economy.”

“We’re grateful to the Biden-Harris administration and Economic Development Administration for this award that will support workforce development in Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation does incredible work to strengthen our communities by supporting workers, businesses and housing, and they are well-deserving of this award.”

“Massachusetts is strong when all of our communities are strong,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “Investing in our workforce and small businesses will provide crucial support for Jamaica Plain and strengthen the Massachusetts economy in the process.”

“Every day, the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation supports small businesses to create local jobs, strengthen the community, and close the racial wealth gap,” said Senator Ed Markey. “This federal funding from the Economic Development Administration will allow JPNDC to serve more small businesses and residents with coaching, workshops, and other services to build a more equitable Boston.”

“The JPNDC have been incredible partners in our shared work to promote an economy of opportunity and give everyone in the Massachusetts 7th a chance to not just survive, but thrive,” said Representative Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). “I’m proud to work with the Biden-Harris Administration to deliver these much-needed federal resources, which will support our entrepreneurs, help close the racial wealth gap and build a more just and equitable district.”

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

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 invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.