MILWAUKEE, WI, Aug. 25, 2014 -- Today, a partnership has been announced between JPMorgan Chase & Co. and The Water Council created to unite North America's investment community with water technology entrepreneurs in order to match capital with water innovation.
The partnership includes a $225,000 grant from JPMorgan as part of the company's recently-launched Small Business Forward initiative -- a national, five-year, $30-million grant program designed to boost small business support networks that help growing enterprises in specific industries. With the grant, The Water Council will identify investment firms that are interested in exploring water technology investments, prepare water investment training information and conduct an investor conference with entrepreneurs.
"Our company recognizes the growing importance of water not only in the United States, but across the world, and we believe that many of the solutions to those issues will be derived from the small businesses that are being developed by The Water Council," said James R. Popp, president of Chase in Wisconsin. "It was only natural for Chase to combine its support for American small businesses with America's leading water technology cluster."
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker added, "The Water Council leads the country in its support and development of water technology entrepreneurs, as proven through the creation of the Global Water Center and The BREW program. Through the generous support of JPMorgan Chase, we can now add one vital element to our toolbox -- the growth of private-sector investments in the burgeoning water technology industry."
The Water Council, established in 2009 by Milwaukee-area businesses, education and government leaders, is the only organization of its kind in the U.S. The Water Council takes pride in having coalesced one of the most powerful water technology clusters in the world. Today, it links global water technology companies and small businesses, innovative water entrepreneurs, acclaimed academic research programs, and some of the world's most talented water technology professionals.
"The Water Council and the city of Milwaukee are capturing the attention of the world as we quickly transform the region into a world water hub for freshwater economic development, research and education," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. "The significant investment by a global company such as JPMorgan Chase sends a clear message to the nation and the world that Milwaukee is the place to bring together water technology businesses and the investment community."
Through the support of JPMorgan,The Water Council will look to expand the water investment program nationally and internationally. The partnership will help to advance The Water Council's vision of being the globally-connected epicenter of freshwater research, innovation, education, and business development; drive economic development in Milwaukee; enable water technology companies to strengthen and grow their businesses; and ultimately help address pressing global water issues.
See also:
"Water Council launches groundbreaking Water Collaborative Innovation Platform"
"Inciting Inspiration: Milwaukee Global Water Center Provides Research, Accelerator Platform for Existing, Emerging Companies"
About The Water Council
The Water Council, the only organization of its kind in the U.S., was established in 2009 by Milwaukee-area businesses, education and government leaders. With more than 150 water technology companies in the Milwaukee area, the region's water industry is a $10.5-billion market and accounts for 4 percent of the world's total water business. The non-profit organization, consisting of more than 160 members, is linking together global water technology companies, innovative water entrepreneurs, acclaimed academic research programs and some of the nation's most intelligent water professionals. The Water Council is capturing the attention of the world and transforming the Milwaukee region into a World Water Hub for freshwater research, economic development and education. For more information, visit www.thewatercouncil.com.
About JPMorgan Chase & Co.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a global financial services firm with assets of $2.5 trillion and operations worldwide. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. For more information, visit www.jpmorganchase.com.
###
