Letter to Penny Pritzker, Secretary of Commerce - i6 Challenge Funds for Buffalo's Launch NY

Letter

Dear Commerce Secretary Pritzker:

I am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by Launch New York for funding through the Department of Commerce's i6 Challenge Program. Such funding will further support Launch New York's investment in the Upstate New York business community by providing new start-ups with access to a mentoring network and training programs necessary to promote the type of innovation required in a 21st century marketplace.

Launch New York is currently working with a diverse group of service provider organizations to bolster the business ecosystems of several different Upstate communities. With nearly 180 outreach partnerships, Launch New York has a strong presence across Upstate New York. Headquartered in Buffalo, they maintain healthy visibility in the Southern Tier and the Finger Lakes, and stretch as far as the Central New York region. This sprawling reach means that Launch New York is working to spur economic development in 27 different counties.

With funding, Launch New York will be better able to access high specialized professionals in a variety of fields by setting up a national mentoring network. By working with their service providing partners, LNY is committed to developing resources that are already in place. These professionals will link Upstate New York's newest manufacturers with access to the best and brightest, ensuring that a new generation of entrepreneurs will have the necessary expertise to succeed. They also plan on linking local trainers with new businesses as a means of preparing their workforce for the challenges of competing in a global economy. I applaud Launch New York for their foresight and sincerely hope the application meets with your approval.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator

Source