Costa Announces Funds in the 20th For State Center Community College District
FRESNO, CA - In an effort to better equip local businessesto thrive in today's international economy, the 20th CongressionalDistrict will receive over $100,000 in funds from the United States Departmentof Education's Business and International Education Program, Congressman JimCosta (D-Fresno) announced today.
"Through partnership with Fresno-Center for InternationalTrade Development, San Joaquin Valley International Trade Association andnumerous others, the State Center Community College District has formed anAgricultural Trade Assistance Program," Congressman Costa explained.
"This program," Costa continued, "will deliver an exportdevelopment program for twenty pre-qualified agribusinesses that grow specialtycrops with a high comparative advantage in Canadaand Mexico."
The funding received through the Business and InternationalEducation Program is considered crucial to help fund international professionaldevelopment opportunities for the College and businesses. "Totaling 180,000 over two years allotted tofund the Agricultural Trade Assistance Program, which increases the exportcapacity of small and mid-sized agribusinesses through training andcounseling," Costa noted. "The fundsalso aid the College's international business program through facultydevelopment and internationalization of business and agribusiness," theCongressman concluded.