Steve Womack: “I want to thank my friend, French Hill from Little Rock, for leading on this very important issue, and I rise in strong…”

“I want to thank my friend, French Hill from Little Rock, for leading on this very important issue, and I rise in strong support of his amendment. I am a proud cosponsor of this important amendment that restores funding for the Regional Innovation Cluster program within the Small Business Administration. The Regional Innovation Cluster program provides region- and industry-specific technical assistance to startup businesses. This program focuses on helping startups scale up to meet the growing needs of their customers. While there are success stories from across the country, one is near and dear to my heart. The Ozarks Regional Innovation Cluster is based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in my district. Last year alone, the Ozarks Regional Innovation Cluster serviced 572 small business owners. It created 517 net jobs, raised $81.5 million in capital and received eight new patents for their work. Nationwide, businesses participating in the Regional Innovation Cluster program have seen tremendous growth both in jobs created and in revenue. As we know, startups and small businesses account for about two- thirds of all new jobs and the growth that comes with these new jobs. Let's support them today by restoring funding for this important program. Mr. Chair, I urge adoption of the amendment of my friend from Arkansas.”