SBA Launches Manufacturing Training Grants

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced a $50 million manufacturing training grant program May 6.

The Manufacturing in America E2G Grant Initiative offers grants for up to 10 eligible organizations to provide training and technical assistance to support small manufacturers in the SBA’s Empower to Grow Program.

SBA officials said the grants “will empower qualified awardees to deliver regional support to small manufacturers in critical industries, in support of the agency’s ongoing effort to rebuild domestic supply chains.”

“As I travel the country and meet with these builders, innovators, and job creators, I’ve seen firsthand the essential role they play in restoring American industrial strength,” SBA Administratior Kelly Loeffler said in a statement.

“We are equipping them with the resources and workforce support they need to grow, reshore critical supply chains, and help secure America’s position as a global manufacturing powerhouse.”

Eligibility

The E2G Program includes businesses in key industries such as aerospace, ship building, rail equipment, mining, industrial machinery and equipment, construction equipment, metal fabrication, electrical equipment, food processing, medical and precision manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and robotics. 

An eligible E2G Grant applicant must:

• Be a for-profit or not-for-profit entity (including, but not limited to small businesses, other than small businesses, trade and professional associations, and educational institutions)
• Been in existence continually for at least the past three years
• Have experience providing technical assistance, tools, or training, etc. relating to small manufacturing businesses on a regional or national basis
• Demonstrate that it has the capacity to provide hands-on manufacturing-related training and technical assistance to small business concerns

The deadline to submit proposals electronically is June 15 at 11:59 pm EDT

More information is available here and the SBA is hosting a series of informational webinars on the following dates:

• Monday, May 11, 2-3 pm
• Wednesday, May 27, 2-3 pm
• Wednesday, June 3, 2-3 pm