Robbins: Funding Secured for Northwest PA Job Incubators

Harrisburg – State Senator. Bob Robbins (R-50) announced today that he was able to secure $500,000 to support job-creating incubators in the region in the new state budget.

Robbins also secured the half-million-dollar investment in last year's budget. "Pennsylvania's Local Development District Incubator program has been very effective in spurring job creation in areas that need help," Robbins said. "Job creation in Northwest Pennsylvania is a top priority and supporting these incubators is part of the effort."

Job incubators house startup businesses, offering them expert support and assistance until they are ready to grow and expand.

There are nine job incubators in the northwest region, including Titusville, Meadville and Greenville located in the 50th Senatorial District. Each site will receive $55,000 in state funding. An additional $5,000 has been designated for the Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning Development Commission to administer the program.

"I am pleased that I was once again able to secure funding for these incubators," said Robbins. "Jobs are created by innovative people with good ideas and determination to turn them into reality. This funding lets them know that they don't have to go to other areas to develop a business. We have the workers and the support right here."

The funding for the nine northwest incubators was included in the Department of Community and Economic Development budget.

CONTACT: Michael A. Hengst (717) 787-1322