U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Entrepreneurial Innovation and Workforce Development in Anaheim, California

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3 million grant to the city of Anaheim, California, to support and diversify the regional economy through new entrepreneurial innovation and workforce development programs. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This grant will facilitate renovation of an existing space to serve as a business incubator and workforce training center, providing development support and vocational instruction to members of underserved communities seeking entrepreneurial and employment opportunities in the food sector. The EDA investment will be matched with $2.2 million in local funds and is expected to create 468 jobs, retain 108 jobs, and generate $3.9 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s American Rescue Plan offers direct relief to American communities as they work to build a better America for the future,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will play an important role in supporting new food industry in Southern California, helping to create good-paying jobs and a diverse regional economy.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will allow Anaheim to build upon existing assets to support business development and job creation in the region, helping deliver equitable outcomes for traditionally underserved populations in Orange County.”

“California’s entrepreneurial spirit and our innovative economy are known around the world,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Today’s investment in fostering new businesses and workforce training in Orange County will create valuable entrepreneurial and employment opportunities in the food industry. I thank the Biden Administration for investing in our efforts to support businesses and workers throughout California.”

“The American Rescue Plan has continued to deliver for our communities by allowing them to bolster their economies and workforce,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “This EDA investment will boost small businesses, create new jobs, and support underserved populations in Anaheim.”

“I want to thank President Biden and Secretary Raimondo for working with me to bring taxpayer dollars to our community,” said Congressman J. Luis Correa (CA-46). “I voted for the American Rescue Plan to support Main Street and local businesses, and I’m glad that taxpayer dollars are being directed toward Anaheim and Orange County. This $3 million grant invests in Anaheim’s most important commodity – the people. Vocational training is crucial to ensure that people have the skills for good paying jobs, and as a tourism center, the food industry plays a vital part in our local economy. Anaheim is the right place for this grant.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities. The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

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.