Gov. John Lynch and the Executive Council yesterday approved the use federal Workforce Investment Act funds to establish two new innovative programs to help North Country residents build their own businesses and connect North Country workers with jobs.
White Mountain Community College in Berlin will administer the two new programs: The North Country Business Launch Pad and the New Hampshire Talent Team.
“Even before the onset of this recession, the North Country’s economy lagged behind the rest of the state. We must work to ensure economic recovery comes to every part of New Hampshire, which is why are launching these two new efforts to help North Country citizens build their own businesses and to connect North Country workers with jobs,” said Gov. Lynch.
The North Country Launch Pad will assist residents of Coos, northern Grafton and Carroll counties in starting their own businesses. The college will work with entrepreneurs to develop business plans, to help them develop marketing plans, and to connect them with financing and other resources.
This initiative will provide aspiring entrepreneurs in the North Country the technical support they need to build their own businesses – and to create jobs for their neighbors.
The New Hampshire Talent Team will focus on training individuals who want to work at the new federal prison slated to open in September. The college will also provide technical assistance to companies that have goods and services to sell to the prison.
“The new federal prison is estimated to employ 300 people, and the facility will require supplies and support from businesses. I want to make sure these jobs go to North Country workers and businesses. This initiative will help position North Country businesses and workers to reap the economic benefits of this new facility,” Gov. Lynch said.
“These two new initiatives are excellent news for the North Country,” said Department of Resources and Economic Development Commissioner George Bald. “Not only will citizens be able to pursue their dream of business creation, they will also have the opportunity to gain important skills to secure employment at the new prison. These initiatives will help to build a stronger and more vibrant local economy.”
Tags: New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, New Hampshire Talent Team, North Country Business Launch Pad, White Mountain Community College, Workforce Investment Act