Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership Offers Assistance to Manufacturers Affected by Covid-19

 

PHOENIX, AZ (August 20, 2020) — The Arizona Commerce Authority’s Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership (AZ MEP) announced today they are accepting applications from Arizona manufacturers in need of assistance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The enhanced support is made possible by a one-time allocation as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, awarded to AZ MEP by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

 

The funds will be used to subsidize services delivered by AZ MEP to help manufacturers overcome the impact of the pandemic. Support is also available to assist companies that are producing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies in response to COVID-19.

 

“We’re grateful for this additional support for Arizona manufacturers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “The services provided by the Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership will help ensure this vital industry in our state continues to recover and grow.”

 

“Manufacturing is a key driver of Arizona’s economy, and providing support to our small manufacturers who are experiencing challenges related to the pandemic is critical,” said Sandra Watson, Arizona Commerce Authority President & CEO. “We’re grateful to NIST for these funds, which will allow our AZ MEP program to ensure Arizona manufacturers continue to succeed.”

 

The following AZ MEP services are included in the program:

  • Strategic planning and identification of new markets
  • Rebuilding customer demand
  • Overcoming supply chain disruptions
  • Financial and cash flow management
  • Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
  • Staffing, training and workforce development
  • Maintaining a safe workplace in a COVID-19 world
  • Cybersecurity risk assessment and compliance planning

“Many of our manufacturers have been hit hard by the Coronavirus and we are grateful to have access to CARES Act funding to subsidize services that will help these companies get back on their feet,” said David Garafano, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Programs and Executive Director of AZ MEP. “I am very proud of the AZ MEP team and the commitment they have shown to helping Arizona manufacturers survive the pandemic and thrive in the future.”

 

The $50 million CARES Act allocation was allocated among all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Arizona received $730,000 to subsidize MEP services for AZ manufacturers. The program is open to manufacturers across the state. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Companies will be notified of acceptance into the program within one week of submitting their application. Applications can be submitted online here.

 

Media Contact 

Connie Weber

Arizona Commerce Authority
(602) 845-1243
[email protected]

 

 

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter @azcommerce.