Manufacturing Assistance Program

Empire State Development’s Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) encourages manufacturers to invest in projects that will significantly increase the productivity and competitiveness of their operations by providing capital grants of up to $1 million.

• Eligible firms are resident New York State manufacturers employing 50 to 1,000 workers. These businesses must export at least 30% of their production beyond their region, or supply at least 30% of their production to a prime manufacturer that exports beyond the region. Manufacturers are defined as firms that transform materials through mechanical, chemical or physical means into new value-added products or components.
   
• Eligible projects are those where investments of at least $1 million are being made to significantly improve the productivity and/or competitiveness of a manufacturing operation. Intended outcomes may include increased production output, process efficiency, quality control, new product or supply development, increased market share, resource conservation, pollution prevention or other cost-reducing or revenue-enhancing measures. Projects may involve the acquisition of machinery and equipment, changes in manufacturing process or layout, worker training, and other related costs.

The grant amount is determined by an evaluation of the magnitude of quantifiable improvements in productivity and their overall benefit to the competitiveness of the manufacturer; the amount of private investment leveraged by the project; and the economic impact of the manufacturer within its regional economy.

Manufacturing Assistance projects are eligible for grants of up to $1 million. Projects will be evaluated based on the magnitude of quantifiable improvements in productivity and their overall benefit to the competitiveness of the manufacturer; the amount of private investment leveraged by the project; and the economic impact of the manufacturer within its regional economy.

Projects that receive MAP funding will be required to achieve project milestones, which will form the contractual basis for the release of funds, along with the commitment to retain at least 85% of current workforce for a five-year project period. All or a portion of funds disbursed will be recovered if employment falls below 85% of the current level.

Manufacturing firms should also consider the Industrial Effectiveness Program, which can provide assistance in identifying, developing and implementing improved management and production processes to enhance efficiency, expand market share and promote job growth. Projects with resource conservation/pollution prevention outcomes may be eligible to receive funding from the ESD Environmental Investment Program.

To learn more about Empire State Development’s Manufacturing Assistance Program, please contact a NY ESD Regional Office or call 1-800-STATE NY.