[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 71 (Thursday, May 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PORTS AS SMALL BUSINESS INCUBATORS ACT

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                            HON. JANICE HAHN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2012

  Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, during my short time in Congress, I've worked 
hard to highlight the importance of our ports, not only to my district 
in California, but to our national economy. Ports support 13.3 million 
American jobs and generate $3.15 trillion in economic activity. That is 
why I founded the PORTS Caucus to educate Members of Congress on the 
importance of ports to our national economy. As a member of the Small 
Businesses Committee, I also understand that economic recovery is going 
to be fueled by the job-creating power of our small businesses.
  That is why I am introducing the ``Ports as Small Business Incubators 
Act,'' which will join these two economic forces and further strengthen 
our economy. In 2005 alone, North American incubation programs assisted 
more than 27,000 companies that provided employment for more than 
100,000 workers and generated annual revenues of $17 billion. My bill 
creates a grant program available to Port Authorities interested in 
creating their own small business incubators.
  The Ports as Small Business Incubators Act will allow port 
authorities to apply for a grant to create a small business incubator. 
This program will encourage port authorities to give opportunities to 
entrepreneurs who need them most. These newly-created small business 
incubators will be designed to foster small businesses owned by women, 
veterans, and minorities. Finally, this program will also encourage 
businesses that develop a crucial part of our economy: green jobs. Port 
authorities can work with small businesses that focus on clean energy 
and improved air and water quality.
  By passing this bill, we will ensure that our entrepreneurs are given 
the chance to succeed. This program will nurture our new businesses and 
provide a much-needed boost to our recovering economy.

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