JPMorgan Chase & Co. and The Water Council announced a partnership to bring together North America's investment community and water technology entrepreneurs to match capital with water innovation. The partnership includes a $225,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase as part of the company's recently launched Small Business Forward initiative—a national, five-year, $30 million grant program meant 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.”
“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,” said Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. “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 links global water technology companies and small businesses, water entrepreneurs, academic research programs and 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 Chase, 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.
“The Water Council is honored to be able to announce this unique partnership with JPMorgan Chase, and support our next development as a global leader to bring together small water technology businesses and investors,” said Rich Meeusen, co-founder and co-chair of The Water Council and chairman, president and CEO of Badger Meter. “We have made great strides in fostering an environment of water entrepreneurship. Now, through the support of JPMorgan Chase, we can educate and connect the investment community with innovative businesses working to solve global water issues.”
Source: The Water Council