MAYOR BLOOMBERG DISCUSSES THE CITY'S LATEST EFFORTS TO CONTINUE CREATING JOBS AT AN ALL-TIME RECORD PACE IN WEEKLY RADIO ADDRESS

The following is the text of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s weekly radio address as prepared for delivery on 1010 WINS News Radio for Sunday, October 21, 2012.

“Good Morning. This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

“Businesses that want to stay competitive can’t rest on their laurels, and to keep our economy growing and creating jobs, neither can we. Last week, our Administration took major steps in three areas to ensure that when it comes to supporting entrepreneurs, as well as connecting New Yorkers to jobs, we continue to lead the nation.

“The first is an exciting new competition we’re launching – called ‘New York’s Next Top Makers’ – to promote 3D printing and innovation. 3D printing allows consumers to design and manufacture 3D objects, often at low cost. ‘New York’s Next Top Makers’ will act as a business accelerator, helping local entrepreneurs, inventors and designers bring their product ideas to life. From mid-November through next February, we’re encouraging any New Yorker to upload filmed pitches of a new product they want to design at NYC.gov. Products can be low- to high-tech, for the office or for the home. A panel of experts will choose five winners, and New Yorkers will vote to choose a sixth. The six finalists will then take part in a five-month design studio to further develop their ideas. And in September, one designer will win a cash prize.

“One of the companies that will help mentor the finalists – Shapeways – is also making a big investment in our manufacturing future. On Thursday, I visited what will become Shapeways’ ‘Factory of the Future’ in Long Island City. Fully built out, it will be the biggest 3D printing facility for individual consumers in the world, able to manufacture five million products a year. Shapeways expects to create around 50 manufacturing jobs in its first year alone, and potentially more as the company grows – more good news for our city, which continues to outpace the nation in new job growth.

“The second area where we’re acting to boost growth is our city’s network of centers that support jobseekers and small businesses. Last Monday, I visited our newest Workforce1 Career center located on Fordham Road in the Bronx. In addition to job placement and career development services, it will also include Bronx Business Solutions for business owners and a new center we’ve developed in partnership with Fordham’s School of Business called the Fordham Foundry. Part workshop, part think tank, the Foundry will allow Bronx small business owners to consult with Fordham faculty and access advanced business curriculum. And because the Foundry is housed with Bronx Business Solutions, Fordham students will have direct access to a range of free services to help get their business ideas off the ground. So far this year, NYC Business Solutions centers have provided more than 6,300 free services to over 4,200 businesses, including helping 140 entrepreneurs open their doors.

“Third and finally, last week we unveiled a number of resources at NYC.gov for small business owners to help them comply with City regulations while saving time and money. That includes 10 NYC ‘starter guides’ that provide the basics on how to start a business – whether you’re opening a beauty salon, a restaurant or a dentist’s office.

“From traditional small businesses to ‘Factories of the Future,’ we’re supporting New York companies so they can keep creating the jobs our growing city needs.

“This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Thanks for listening.”