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State Rep. Ashford Announces over $6.1M for Small Business
Expansion in Toledo, UT Updates
Special to The Truth
Last week, State Rep. Michael Ashford (D-Toledo) announced
the release of state funding for projects at Rocket
Ventures, LLC and the University of Toledo (UT). $4.18
million will go to Rocket Ventures to help support small
businesses, entrepreneurs and local start-ups. $1.97 million
will be used for IT updates and infrastructure projects at
UT.
$4,188,000 is slated to go to northwest Ohio’s
Entrepreneurial Signature Program through Rocket Ventures,
LLC. Rocket Ventures is the regional lead for the program,
which provides technology and networking help to start-ups,
small business entrepreneurs and innovators in the
region. The program provides support to technology-based
companies to help them grow. Rocket Ventures assists with
planning services, networking opportunities, management
services and a number of other initiatives to help jumpstart
local businesses.
“Entrepreneurs inspire ideas that drive job growth. We need
to do everything we can to make sure these industry
innovators get the support they need,” said Ashford. “I am
excited we can give local companies a head start so they can
grow and create the jobs of the future right here in our
backyard.”
$1,599,996 will go to UT for the school’s Backbone Core
Router Replacements project to update outdated computer
network equipment on all three campuses. The university will
also receive $376,920 for campus infrastructure
improvements, including updating steam and chilled water
lines. UT will contract with JDI Group of Maumee for the
infrastructure projects.
“The University of Toledo continues to pioneer in areas of
research and scholarship, graduating some of the best minds
in Ohio,” said
Ashford. “Improving campus infrastructure, both in terms of
the technology and buildings, puts the university ahead of
the curve, leading in innovation in Ohio and across the
country. These funds will help UT adapt and continue to
thrive.”
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