Congressman Tim Ryan Awards Youngstown Business Incubator $185,000 in Federal Funds

Youngstown, OH – Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) and Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) today awarded the Youngstown Business Incubator a $185,000 award from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The funding will go toward YBI’s Tech Block Building No.5 for 3-D printing software and equipment.

“Youngstown Business Incubator has helped many businesses in Northeastern Ohio get their start. It cannot be understated the role YBI plays in growing advanced manufacturing and facilitating innovation in the Mahoning Valley,” said Congressman Ryan. “These funds from ARC not only furthers YBI’s mission, but contributes to the vision and success of many entrepreneurs and businesses in Ohio. Our continued support for public-private partnerships makes the American dream a reality for many Americans and increases our community’s economic prosperity.”

“The Mahoning Valley is an epicenter for Ohio manufacturing,” said Senator Brown. “This investment to the Youngstown Business Incubator will give startup manufacturers in the area the leading edge they need to grow their businesses and create jobs in the area.”

“This is exciting news for the Youngstown Business Incubator, an organization that plays a pivotal role in advancing innovation in Northeast Ohio,” said Senator Portman. “These funds will contribute to manufacturing’s strength in the Mahoning Valley, ultimately providing the opportunity for continued economic growth and job creation.”

“The Mahoning Valley is quickly becoming recognized as a world leader in advanced manufacturing technologies. The ARC has been a tremendous partner to both YBI and YSU in helping to make that vision a reality,” said Jim Tressel, Youngstown State University President.

“Today’s announcement will help the Youngstown Business Incubator make the latest technology, equipment, and technical assistance available to Ohio’s  smaller advanced manufacturing businesses,” said Tim Thomas, Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission. “This, in turn, keeps the Region’s manufacturing sector competitive and strong.”

“The ARC has been a critical partner in the region’s transformation to an advanced manufacturing community. YBI, and its partners at YSU and TBEIC are grateful for the support that we’ve received from both the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Governor’s Office of Appalachia, as well as Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, who administer the program locally,” said Barb Ewing, Youngstown Business Incubator Chief Executive Officer.

“Entrepreneurs are the life blood of the Mahoning Valley and The Appalachian Regional Commission’s investments are proof positive that the time is now, to innovate and grow,” said Rick Stockburger, Tech Belt Energy Innovation Center (TBEIC) Vice President and Chief Operations Officer.