Innovation Adoption Program
The Innovation Adoption Program provides manufacturers in southwestern Pennsylvania with grants of up to $25,000 to develop or adopt a new process, product, or technology that will have a significant and tangible impact on their business. IAP grants aim to achieve the following impact:
How it Works
Confirm Eligibility
Grantees must have a significant Pennsylvania presence and operate a manufacturing business located in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland counties. Applicants must identify eligible expenses that exceed twice the reimbursement cap outlined in the contract and be prepared to pay vendors without reimbursement for up to one month. Grantees must also agree to complete annual impact surveys, including revenue and job creation data, for five years following project completion.
Submit Your Idea
You may submit multiple ideas, as well as revised proposals at a later date. Applications are reviewed monthly, and you will be notified if your submission is accepted, rejected, or held for future consideration. For additional guidance or questions about your application, you can sign up for a time to speak with the program manager.
Scope Project
If your application is accepted, we will collaborate with you to outline a detailed scope of work, timeline, repayment provisions, and cost estimates. These items will be used to draft a contract that clearly defines expectations and responsibilities for both parties. The project officially begins once the contract is signed.
Receive Funding
After the project begins, you must provide proof of eligible expenses incurred. IW will reimburse 50% of each approved expense up to the cap specified in your contract. A project concludes when the scope is completed, the contract deadline is reached, or the reimbursement cap is met. At the end of the project, you must submit a final report summarizing its impact, followed by annual impact surveys for five years. Templates for both the final report and the IW Impact Survey are available for reference.
Who Should Apply?
Grantees must:
have a significant PA presence
be a manufacturing business located in one of the following nine counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland
identify eligible expenses in excess of two times the reimbursement cap outlined in the contract
be willing and able to pay vendors without receiving reimbursement for up to one month
agree to complete impact surveys, which include annual revenue and job creation statistics, annually for five years after the project is completed
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready To Take The Next Step?
Apply for an Innovation Adoption Program Grant today to take the first step in modernizing your manufacturing facilities for the next wave of entreprenuers.
