Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.8 Million to Boost Food-based Entrepreneurial Development and Manufacturing in Hartford
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
August 9, 2017
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.8 million grant to Community Solutions International, Inc. of New York, New York, to help build a food-focused business incubator and manufacturing facility to be known as the Swift Community Food and Business Development Center in Hartford, Connecticut. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 125 jobs and spur $9.75 million in private investment.
“The Trump Administration is committed to helping American workers and businesses with improvements in their communities,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “I look forward to seeing how the Swift Community Food and Business Development Center will support local businesses and develop new entrepreneurs.”
The availability of Hartford's investment opportunities, markets, and regional farms remain strong for new companies, but the growing industry has quickly filled the area's processing and co-packing spaces as well as its business support services. The redevelopment of the Swift Factory complex will provide a food business incubator, manufacturing facility, office space, and health as well as economic initiatives for the community.
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.