To understand the answer to this question, it is important to recognize that grants fund outcomes. Outcomes are what will change as a result of a company getting a grants. For for-profit companies, examples of outcomes include job creation, capital investment, upskilling employees, and increasing the market for goods made from recycled products.
If grants fund outcomes, the types of grants manufacturers qualify for would be opportunities that desire those outcomes. Examples of programs include:
Innovation/Expansion Grants for Manufacturers
These are typically funded by state economic development entities. The outcomes funded include capital investment (particularly in innovation, high technology solutions) and job creation. Funds can cover costs to purchase and install equipment and hire and train employees.
Rural Development Manufacturing Grants
These programs help companies in rural areas (defined generally as communities of 15,000 or less residents not contiguous to an urban area) grow and incorporate energy savings solutions into their operations. USDA is the primary source of funding for these grants, but some state entities also provide incentives for manufacturers to grow and expand in rural areas. You can find out whether you qualify for USDA’s rural funding and the program you qualify for by going to https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do?pageAction=rbs, accepting the disclaimer and entering your facility’s address.
Manufacturer Training Grants
The vast majority of states offer grants to train employees, with the goal of job retention or raising the skill levels for employees. Some of this funding also offsets the costs associated with designing and implementing apprenticeship programs. Typically, training grants will pay for half of the training cost for eligible programs. Sources vary by state, but, again, state economic development entities and the pass through federal program Workforce Opportunity and Investment Act or WIOA (see the last article for the definition of pass through) are the primary sources of funding for training grants.
This is most definitely not an exhaustive list. There are research grants, recycling grants, and grants to support international market development and activities to address the impact of trade on a company. Manufacturers qualify for these grants and many more! The key is defining your outcomes and finding the right sources of funding for you! Let Lakeview Consulting help guide you through this process!
