Tucson, Ariz. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today congratulated the City of San Luis on a $1.6 million grant from the federal Department of Commerce (DOC) to establish a new “small business incubator,” which exist around the country to provide business infrastructure and business support services. The grant, which comes through DOC’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), is meant to help promising start-up businesses near the Mexican border port of entry and adjacent industrial park.

Business incubators offer a variety of services and vary somewhat by locale and economic context. The San Luis incubator is expected to focus on long-term public/private economic collaboration and will help grow manufacturing and trade-related businesses in the region.

“Small business really is one of the primary economic engines of this country, and making it possible for people to find and create jobs is one of the government’s primary responsibilities,” Grijalva said. “Grants like this one are crucial for rebuilding our economy, our confidence and our ability to compete, not just in Southern Arizona but across the country.”

According to EDA information, the new incubator is expected to leverage $10 million in private funds when complete and create approximately 300 jobs. The grant, like all EDA projects, was awarded through a competitive process based upon applicant merit and available funds. More information on EDA’s grant process and investment priorities is available at http://www.eda.gov.

For more information, contact the office of San Luis city manager Ralph Velez at (928) 341-8520.