NY MEP Recovery Initiative offers nearly $1M in project funding for manufacturers

The New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) network announced it is leading four competitive grant programs that it says will help manufacturers solve challenges created by COVID-19, emerge from the crisis more resilient and adaptable, and prepare for future emergencies.

NY MEP is a network of 11 organizations that provide growth and innovation services to small and mid-sized manufacturers across the state.

TDO, the regional NY MEP center for Central New York, is helping to administer the Supply Chain Grant Program, working alongside the Center for Economic Growth, the Capital Region’s NY MEP center.

 The four programs will award nearly $1 million, combined, to manufacturing and technology companies in New York state, according to a news release from NY MEP. The programs, which are open to companies in all regions of New York, include:

• Personal Protective Equipment Fund
• Supply Chain Grant Program
• Next Generation Grant Program
• Manufacturing Reimagined Fund

The Personal Protective Equipment Fund, managed by ITAC, the New York City regional NY MEP center, will award a total of $250,000 to companies in two phases. Phase one focuses on those companies working to extend the lifespan of personal-protective equipment (PPE), and phase two will support the scaling needs of select PPE manufacturers across New York state. New York–based manufacturers or technology companies will receive a maximum $10,000 grant.

The Supply Chain Grant Program, managed by the Center for Economic Growth with critical support from TDO, will award a total of $200,000 toward projects that help manufacturers address business challenges caused by pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. Up to 20 manufacturers with facilities in New York state will receive a maximum $10,000 grant, which will help recipients take steps to optimize their supply chains, explore new markets and products, identify new customers and implement processes to become more competitive, per the release. Funding may be used to offset the costs of consultants, engineering assistance, implementation, training and project-related materials.

 The Next Generation Grant Program, managed by MTEC, the Mid-Hudson regional NY MEP center, will award $350,000 in total to companies that need help optimizing their operations for the post-pandemic era. Recipients will receive up to $10,000 in services to ensure they are operating safely, effectively, and efficiently in a virtual business environment, the release stated. MTEC and its partners will help identify ways to improve operations as well as opportunities to introduce new technologies or processes. The program’s areas of focus are lean manufacturing, cybersecurity, quality, and engineering.

 The Manufacturing Reimagined Fund, managed by FuzeHub, the statewide NY MEP center, will award a total of $170,000 toward projects that align with COVID-related recovery efforts. Recipients will receive a maximum of $10,000 in technical assistance from a NYSTAR Innovation Network organization. Eligible projects will help manufacturers manage challenges created by COVID-19, emerge from the crisis more resilient and adaptable, and prepare for future emergencies. To qualify, applicants must attend one of FuzeHub’s “Manufacturing Reimagined” workshops or webinars, the release noted.

 The four grant programs are part of the NY MEP’s COVID Recovery Initiative. More information is available at: https://newyorkmep.org/2020-program/.