We talked with Joe Rizzo and Kyle Banks, manager of economic development and lead analyst of economic development, respectively, at New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E).
Last year, NYSEG and RG&E launched the Manufacturing Accelerator Program (MAP) to support manufacturers looking to implement productivity improvement projects, growth initiatives, and other transformative business ventures.
WHAT EXACTLY IS THE MANUFACTURING ACCELERATOR PROGRAM?
Joe: NYSEG and RG&E provide MAP grants to eligible applicants whose leadership make commitments of time and resources to productivity improvement projects such as lean manufacturing, lean office procedures, waste reduction, ISO quality programs, and other projects that lower costs, improve quality, and reduce lead times. In addition, MAP can provide matching grants to fund growth-targeted activities such as new product development, export initiatives, sales and marketing system improvements, and other projects designed to increase revenue.
WHAT OBJECTIVES ARE YOU HOPING TO MEET THROUGH MAP?
Joe: Our objectives include maximizing the use of our energy delivery assets, supporting the retention and expansion of existing businesses, attracting new businesses, and fostering a strong collaborative business relationship with our economic development partners at the local, regional, and state level. This overall effort helps our communities grow and prosper, creating a strong and healthy economy in New York.
DESCRIBE THE IDEAL MAP GRANTEE.
Kyle: The ideal manufacturing client is a small- to medium-sized manufacturing company within the RG&E or NYSEG service area that has a clear vision or strategy for its business needs in the short term as well as into the future. With that understanding, we work in partnership with organizations like AM&T to explore how our MAP can provide the most benefit to their business success.
HOW EXACTLY DO YOU WORK WITH AM&T TO THE BENEFIT OF THE PROGRAM AND PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS?
Joe: AM&T plays a vital role in this program. It is one of the high-tech organizations in New York helping to market the program to the manufacturing community in its respective region. AM&T works with manufacturers to identify their specific business needs and makes recommendations to NYSEG and RG&E on the level of grant assistance to achieve positive results. We work very closely with AM&T to ensure that the program and process from start to finish are as streamlined as possible to make positive impressions on our customers.
THE NUMBERS: Manufacturing Accelerator Program (MAP) NYSEG and RG&E will provide matching grants up to the lesser of $15,000 or 40% of the costs incurred by eligible applicants for productivity improvement projects such as Lean manufacturing, Lean office procedures, waste reduction, ISO quality programs and other projects that lower costs, improve quality and reduce lead times. In addition, the MAP will provide matching grants up to the lesser of $15,000 or 50% to fund growth-targeted activities such as new product development, export initiatives, sales and marketing system improvements, and other projects designed to increase revenue. Applicants who choose to commit time and resources to both productivity and growth initiatives will be eligible for grants of up to $40,000 or 60% (whichever is less) of the costs incurred to implement such transformative programs.
Many projects qualify for NYSEG’s MAP grant, please contact Jeff DuBrava, AM&T’s Business Development Manger at jdubrava@amt-mep.org for additional information or register for one of our upcoming Lunch and Learn events.
