COATESVILLE, PA – On Friday, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) toured the Made in Coatesville small business incubator and met with several small business owners to learn more about small business needs and the continued economic development of downtown Coatesville ahead of the holiday season. Houlahan was joined by local leaders including City of Coatesville City Manager James Logan, Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, and 2nd Century Alliance’s Sonia (Sonny) Huntzinger and Amber Little Turner.
The tour was followed by a roundtable discussion.
“It cannot be said enough—small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” said Houlahan. “As someone who grew several businesses and non-profits in southeastern Pennsylvania, I understand the challenges facing entrepreneurs as they build their piece of the American Dream. This small business incubator is innovative, giving a helping hand to entrepreneurs in need. I wholeheartedly support this effort, and I look forward to seeing all it will do for the great people of Coatesville and our surrounding communities.”
“The incubator launch is one of the latest initiatives in the city’s and 2nd Century Alliance’s collaboration to encourage and stimulate the creation of small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs. It was great to share Made in Coatesville and showcase the small business incubator to Representative Houlahan and Commissioner Maxwell,” said James Logan, City of Coatesville City Manager. “This pilot program provides early-stage business owners a great entree in how to manage and grow their businesses. It’s also a great compliment to the city’s commitment to revitalize the entrepreneurial spirit of Coatesville. To all small businesses considering the city as their next home: Coatesville’s a great place to build a successful business!”
“The importance of supporting Chester County’s entrepreneurs cannot be understated, particularly in communities like Coatesville,” said Josh Maxwell, Vice-Chair, Chester County Board of Commissioners. “The work of the Made in Coatesville Small Business Incubator is impressive in its scope and mission to support the growth and success of businesses with the tools they need.”
According to Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance, who secured a Neighborhood Partnership Program grant to support the incubator, their mission is to “…provide a cost-effective physical location where entrepreneurs can sell and market their goods and services while being supported with the tools necessary that will give them the greatest chance for growth, success and adding jobs to the community.”
"Knowing Representative Houlahan's commitment to small business and entrepreneurs, we were thrilled to have her visit our new Made in Coatesville small business incubator,” said Sonny Huntzinger, Executive Director of the 2nd Century Alliance. “The merchants truly appreciated having the opportunity to share the successes and challenges with her and learn about her advocacy in Washington on their behalf."
The Grand Opening of the Made in Coatesville small business incubator was on November 26, 2022, which coincided with Small Business Saturday. The incubator is located at 228 East Lincoln Highway Coatesville, PA 19320.
The full list of inaugural participants (businesses) includes:
· Looker Books
· Mimi’s Favorite Things
· Kissed by Noelle
· West Branch Herbs & Tea
· Stingy Brims Hat Company
· Valley Crossing Digital
· DLG Bookkeeping & Payroll Services
Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Small Business Committee. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.
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