IMC announces the PA MAKES Mini-grant Program funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER Initiative.  The purpose of the POWER Initiative is to stimulate job creation and economic impact in Pennsylvania’s 52 coal impacted counties.  The Program, focused on providing strategic technical assistance to small- to medium-sized manufacturers, will help manufacturers be more competitive by adopting new technologies, becoming more efficient and diversifying their markets.

By working with the Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), manufacturers will develop strategies and projects specifically matched to their needs.  “We are looking for companies that want to grow and invest in their future,’ says Lauri Moon, IMC’s Manager, Training & Outreach.  By encouraging companies to take a new, more innovative approach, IMC believes the program will prove an asset not only to the health of the local manufacturing industry but to the region as a whole.

Mini-grants are available to manufacturers with 250 or less employees located in Pennsylvania’s 52 coal impacted counties of western, central and northeastern PA.  Applicants may request up to 50% of the total advanced manufacturing technology project cost up to $10,000.  Mini-grant dollars may be used to support direct, project related consulting costs, contracted services, software purchases, supplies and one-time costs related to the implementation of advanced manufacturing technology or process improvements.

To learn more about PA MAKES Mini-grants and develop an application, contact IMC at info@imcpa.com or call 570-329-3200.  The deadline for projects to be completed under the PA MAKES Mini-Grant is January 31, 2020.