Agreement focuses on economic development and networking opportunities between the State of Maryland and the Republic of Ireland
Discusses Ukraine, horse industry and Brexit at Leinster House with Irish Foreign Secretary and Minister of Defense

ANNAPOLIS, MD—As part of his economic development mission in Western Europe, Governor Larry Hogan visited the Guinness Enterprise Center (GEC), which is the world’s leading university-based business incubator, to announce a new partnership between the State of Maryland and the Republic of Ireland focused on soft landing spaces, academics, and networking opportunities between the two regions.

To enhance its vision of becoming Europe’s premier entrepreneurial superhub, the GEC is partnering with the Global Gateway Initiative, an innovative soft landing program that helps attract international businesses to Maryland and ease their transition to the American market by connecting them with local incubators and accelerators. Last month at the World Economic Forum, the governor announced an initial investment of $2 million for the initiative, which currently includes participation from more than 20 Maryland accelerators and incubators.

“The State of Maryland is focused on attracting even more foreign investment, including here in Ireland,” Governor Hogan said. “Through this new partnership, Maryland businesses will have direct access to the best business support, and GEC-based companies will receive the help they need to grow in the United States and do business in Maryland. “

The GEC provides a world-class entrepreneurial environment by enabling companies to grow and scale their businesses. Through this partnership, Maryland businesses interested in a soft landing opportunity will have direct access to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and stakeholders, while benefiting from the best business support available to Guinness Enterprise businesses. Center. By becoming a partner, GEC-based companies will also receive support to expand into the United States and access facilities, resources, advisors, and more, while doing business in Maryland.

“We are delighted to welcome Governor Hogan and the Maryland State delegation to the Guinness Enterprise Center,” said Eamonn Sayers, GEC Director. “This visit recognizes each region’s ambition and appetite to evolve and thrive in new markets. We look forward to working more closely with Maryland innovators and entrepreneurs while providing Irish startups greater access to this important market.

This agreement will also extend to universities in Ireland and Maryland, connecting local talent to work directly with innovative start-ups and encouraging entrepreneurship, while allowing students to offer advice and assistance on strategic challenges that companies may face.

Meeting with Irish Foreign Minister and Defense Minister Simon Coveney. During a visit to Leinster House, the Governor met with Irish Foreign Secretary and Defense Minister Simon Coveney to discuss a number of issues of common concern. Topics included Ukraine, Brexit and the importance of maintaining stability between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the growth of Maryland and Ireland’s equine industries, and the importance of the J1 visa for small businesses.

Governor Hogan also met with Senator Mark Daly, Speaker of the Upper House of the Irish Legislature, and was named an honorary member of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus.

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