Resolution 170686

..Title Urging the United States Congress to pass H.R. 2655 titled, "Small Business Innovation Protection Act of 2017". ..Body WHEREAS, H.R. 2655, also known as the Small Business Innovation Protection Act of 2017, introduced by Congressman Dwight Evans on May 25, 2017, requires the United States Small Business Administration ("SBA") and the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") to work together to create valuable training for domestic and international patent protection for small businesses; and WHEREAS, The Small Business Innovation Protection Act of 2017, also requires the USPTO to work with the Small Business Development Center network to provide critical training on both domestic and international intellectual property protections for small business owners and entrepreneurs; and WHEREAS, Small businesses are an economic engine for Philadelphia's local and regional economy; and WHEREAS, In 2012, the SBA reported that small businesses continue to be incubators for innovation and employment growth in the United States; and WHEREAS, The SBA also reported that small firms account for 63% of the net new jobs created between 1993 and mid-2013, which equals 14.3 million of the 22.9 million net new jobs; and WHEREAS, The impact of small business are indisputably far-reaching and vital to the United States' economic well-being. Small business owners and entrepreneurs are anchors in our neighborhoods that drive economic development and investment; and WHEREAS, It is essential that small business owners and entrepreneurs have access to resources, services, and training to keep them on a competitive platform across the City of Philadelphia, our nation, and across the globe; and WHEREAS, An innovative, collaborative approach to economic development encourages economic growth within Philadelphia's many neighborhoods, including growth along commercial corridors, business improvement districts, improves the quality of life for residents, reduces barriers for immigrant entrepreneurs, and is vital to the United States' continued success in the global economy; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Does hereby urge the United States Congress to Pass H.R. 2655, titled, "Small Business Innovation Protection Act of 2017." ..End