Quigley Celebrates “Start-Up Day Across America” with UrbanBound

CHICAGO — Today U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) celebrated “Start-Up Day Across America” at UrbanBound, a Chicago-based relocation management software company, to discuss the importance of high-tech entrepreneurship and ways the government can support the industry.

“UrbanBound has revolutionized the relocation industry in just a few short years, streamlining the relocation process through the power of technology and innovation,” said Rep. Quigley. “They are a great example of the bright and forward thinking entrepreneurs all over Chicago and America. I am thankful to have spent Start-Up Day brainstorming with their team on how lawmakers and the broader community can play a critical role in supporting local entrepreneurs with policies and resources that foster innovation and help start-ups thrive.”

Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-05) in discussion about the importance of start-ups and their impact with UrbanBound leadership.

Start-ups play a vital role in economic growth, providing on average three million jobs annually. Small businesses are the major source of job creation and contribute to a majority of America’s economy. “Start-Up Day Across America” aims to show the strengths and remove the barriers to small businesses, and shed light on the great impact they can continue to have with more support.

“Having gone from a couple employees to over 150 customers in just a few short years, we at UrbanBound uniquely understand the trails that go along with getting a start-up up and running," said Jeff Ellman, Co-Founder of UrbanBound. "We are pleased to welcome Congressman Quigley to UrbanBound for Start-Up Day Across America as we discuss our experience as a start-up, offer insight in to policies that support innovation, and highlight the critical role that UrbanBound and other start-ups play in growing the United States economy.”

Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-05) with UrbanBound Co-Founder, Jeff Ellman.

According to UrbanBound, companies spend $16 million per year on relocation services. The high-tech start-up found a solution to managing some of the financial and mental stresses that come with moving by creating a program for businesses and employees. Its software provides services such as city information, guides, housing, transportation, and organizational and budget tools to help employees and employers with job relocation.

Rep. Quigley is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of congressional lawmakers that promotes policies that harness American ingenuity, innovation and entrepreneurship to grow our economy. He was a supporter of the 2012 Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act and cosponsored an original part of this legislation that focused on helping businesses raise the capital needed to expand and create jobs. This legislation was signed into law by President Obama in April 2012. Last year, Rep. Quigley celebrated “Start-Up Day Across America” by meeting with entrepreneurs at 1871.