This program is now closed.
Arizona MEP has been working diligently to help Arizona manufacturers navigate the challenges and overcome the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts were accelerated with a grant received through the NIST MEP Emergency Assistance Program. These funds were used to subsidize services that directly support manufacturers’ ability to sustain operations and respond to the coronavirus.
In addition to services already offered by Arizona MEP, the enhanced support was made possible by a one-time allocation as part of the CARES Act, which was awarded to Arizona MEP by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Arizona MEP offered services, subsidized by the funds from NIST, to help manufacturers overcome the impact of the pandemic.
THIS PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED.
Services
In addition to deploying its wide range of services, Arizona MEP will continue to coordinate its activities with its state partners’ response efforts, including the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Arizona Department of Emergency Management and Military Affairs. After approval of the application, companies were assigned an Arizona MEP client advisor to assist them with selecting the services that will best suit the needs of the company.
Some areas of assistance covered under the grant included:
- 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
Subsidy level
The level of subsidy manufacturers could qualify for was based on company needs as determined by the program evaluation committee and availability of funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of a subsidy can I qualify for?
The level of subsidy will be based on company need as determined by the evaluation committee and the availability of funds.
If I want to apply the subsidy for other Arizona MEP services not listed, can I?
It depends on the relevance of those other Arizona MEP services to overcoming the impact of COVID-19. If your application is approved, please discuss the other services of interest with your Arizona MEP Advisor. Arizona MEP can help with all aspects of your business, but not all services are eligible for the CARES Act subsidy.
How do I use the subsidy?
If approved, your company will be able to utilize services from Arizona MEP that are subsidized by the grant. You do not receive money.
How can I determine what assistance can help me the most?
If your application is successful, your client advisor will work with you to define your most pressing needs and prioritize actions for optimal impact.
Is the information I provide in my application kept confidential?
All financial information will be held in strict confidence and only used for the purpose of evaluating your application. Company name and contact information may be used for project tracking and for distribution of the Arizona MEP client satisfaction survey.
I have used Arizona MEP services before and I’ve been a client for a long time. Can I still qualify for the program?
The program was established to help companies recover from the pandemic. If your company was negatively impacted by the pandemic, you may be able to qualify regardless of how long you have been working with Arizona MEP. Please contact your Arizona MEP advisor for more information.
I have hired a consultant to help me with my business due to COVID-19. Can I get reimbursed for the cost?
No. The grant provides subsidies for services provided by Arizona MEP.
My company is a start-up. Could we still qualify for assistance?
Yes, as long as it is a manufacturing company and if you have a viable business plan and enough funding to start your business. We cannot use the grant to fund a startup, but we may be able to help with subsidized Arizona MEP Services, especially if you will be producing PPE.
My company was not negatively impacted by COVID-19, but we did transition to support production of PPE. Do we qualify under the PPE portion of the grant?
Quite possibly. Please complete the application and include an explanation of your PPE activities.
I invested in equipment to make PPE. Can I get reimbursed?
No. The grant provides subsidies for services provided by Arizona MEP.
Can I get funds to purchase new software to improve my productivity?
No. The grant provides subsidies for services provided by Arizona MEP.
Will you pay for advertising to attract new customers?
No. The grant provides subsidies for services provided by Arizona MEP. However, the Arizona MEP offers services to help grow your business that may qualify for the subsidy.