The ARC PA MAKES Mini-Grant Program, funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), is designed to assist the coal impacted community’s response to negative economic factors. Assistance focuses on diversifying and growing small and medium sized manufacturers through strategic efforts to build capacity, improve efficiencies and demand locally, stimulate job creation, and drive economic impact.
Grant funds can be used for the implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT), as well as business growth services. AMT is the use of new process/materials to do things faster, cheaper and with higher quality results. This can include technologies for continuous improvement and leveraging access to high speed internet to reach new customers or markets, receive orders, collaborate on new designs, share information, track orders, and/or monitor equipment and productivity. It can also include technologies to manage risks such as cyber threats, as well as disruptive technologies such as additive manufacturing. Business growth services includes projects such as lead generation, market intelligence, and strategic planning.
Applicants may request a grant up to 33% of the total project cost from a minimum of $1,000 up to a maximum of $10,000 (website development and website related projects are limited to a maximum grant award of $5,000). Eligible companies need to work with NWIRC to complete the technical assessment and assistance process. You can find additional eligibility
requirements at www.nwirc.org or contact Gerry Schneggenburger at gschneggs@nwirc.org for more information.