Obama Administration seeks applicants for first phase of ‘Investing in Manufacturing Communities’ Partnership

In Washington, the Obama administration announced that it is accepting applications for the first phase of the “Investing in Manufacturing Communities” Partnership, a new initiative outlined in the President’s fiscal year 2014 budget that will help accelerate the resurgence of manufacturing and create jobs across the country. In the first phase of this effort, the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture as well as the Small Business Administration and Environmental Protection Agency will award at least 25 grants of up to $200,000 each to help regions develop long-term economic development strategies intended to create a globally competitive environment that will attract, retain and expand investment and spur international trade and exports.

Phase Two will have the Department of Commerce awarding five to six IMCP “Challenge” grants, expected to be up to $25 million each. These funds are intended to be supplemented by coordinated investments from several other federal departments and agencies.

“Manufacturing continues to be a tremendous job-creator across our nation–including in rural America,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Today, more and more companies are manufacturing incredible new products across rural America, including more than 25,000 ‘biobased’ products–things we use every day that are created from homegrown materials. By making investments today that create new opportunity for manufacturers, we’re sowing the seeds for well-paying sustainable jobs tomorrow.”

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