Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center Locations Across New York State Will Receive Funding Through ESD

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced its re-designation as New York’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center, which includes nearly $6 million in federal funding annually over the next five years in order to support the growth and modernization of New York’s manufacturing businesses. Combined with State funds, ESD will invest approximately $9.8 million per year into the MEP Program to support science and technology-based businesses, start-up companies, and small-and medium-sized manufacturers statewide. 

“Businesses throughout the state will benefit from the re-designation of New York’s MEP Center,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “With this funding, we will continue to spur job creation, grow and expand the advanced technology sector, and support small-and medium-sized manufacturers throughout the state and I encourage businesses to utilize the services available.”

ESD receives funding through the National Institute of Standards & Technology’s (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP) under the U.S. Department of Commerce. As one of nine states in the U.S. to receive the MEP designation during this most recent competition, ESD will allocate the funds to support regional MEP Centers operated by not-for-profit universities or entities that focus on economic development. 

Objectives of this program are to:

·   Improve the competitiveness and increase the market share of small and medium-sized manufacturers in New York through the introduction of new technology and best practices;

·   Create and retain jobs in New York State;

·   Increase investment in and investment by New York manufacturing and technology-based companies;

·   Facilitate the movement of technology discoveries from academic research centers to the creation of new companies and jobs, or to expand existing New York State companies; and

·   Increase the economic benefits to New York companies and the State as a result of fostering innovation.

The New York MEP Program is network of 11 non-profit organizations, one in each of New York’s 10 economic development regions and one statewide center. The MEP centers work to provide entrepreneurial and business assistance to grow high-tech industry and support small-and medium-sized manufacturers throughout New York. Since 2011, this program has supported the creation of more than 3,500 jobs and has helped to retain more than 11,800 jobs statewide.

ESD will distribute approximately $9.8 million through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process to designate the MEP centers, including the 10 regional centers and statewide center. The RFP will be made available on Empire State Development’s website in the coming weeks.

Any not-for-profit or non-profit university-based entity that performs activities including, but not limited to, the promotion, attraction, development and expansion of manufacturing-oriented and science and technology-oriented economic activity in New York State is eligible to apply for New York MEP (regional or statewide) Center designation. The designations are for a five year period with the current designations expiring June 30, 2016.

ESD is the sole administrator of MEP funds in New York State. The request for proposals to designate centers to provide services under this program is forthcoming. The announced funding is for the first 15 months of the five-year designation, and continued funding is subject to the availability of annual appropriations and successful annual reviews.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I Love NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.nyworks.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.