Hare Announces $1.2 Million Economic Development Grant for Galesburg, Knox County

Press Release

Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today announced that the Economic Development Administration has awarded the city of Galesburg and Knox County a $1.2 million grant to help the region develop entrepreneurship.

"Bad trade policies like NAFTA have wreaked havoc on Knox County's economy," Hare said. "But I know the Galesburg area has the workers and businesses to compete with anyone in the world. This grant will enable Knox County entrepreneurs to hone their skills so we can put people back to work and build a strong economy going forward."

The grant is part of the Entrepreneurs Innovate and Go Global Initiative. The initiative is a three-year implementation project to develop entrepreneurs at every level, to encourage the practice of innovation, and assist businesses to compete in national and global markets. A local match of $488,099 will come from local sources through in-kind and cash contributions. The city of Galesburg will serve as the lead agency for the project.

"We are extremely excited that EDA has awarded our proposal to build an entrepreneurial culture and spur economic activity throughout Knox County and thank Congressman Phil Hare and his staff for their effort." said Galesburg Mayor Sal Garza. "The $1.2 million grant over three years will allow us to better serve our business community, which in turn will create jobs for our residents."

"We are very pleased with this announcement, and happy to have this cooperative agreement with the City," said Knox County Board Chairman Greg Bacon. "I want to commend Cesar Suarez for his creativity in developing this program and his diligence in bringing it home. We are also grateful for the continued support for economic development initiatives the people of Knox County receive from Congressman Phil Hare and his staff."

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