Established manufacturers are often so busy running their business that they don’t have the time, talent or money to evaluate and pursue advances that will propel their companies ahead of their competition.

A company’s ability to deliver technology and innovation to customers’ doorsteps faster and better, and customized to their requirements, is the key to continued success.

Ben Franklin has established solid relationships with a Solutions Network of proven experts (college and university faculty and staff, professionals and specialists) who have helped established manufacturers succeed. Clients benefit from the sophisticated tools of strategic planning help and gain immediate access to a wide range of specialized assistance designed to streamline manufacturing processes, develop new operational capabilities, improve their products and expand their market.

We will facilitate the process and can provide necessary financial assistance. Ben Franklin provides a 1:1 matching grant for technology-based manufacturing innovation in established manufacturers. The support is directed to enterprise-wide solutions, including enhancements to the company’s manufacturing process, development of new products, and/or improvement of existing products.

• The grant is up to a maximum of $50,000 For example, if the project costs $100,000, the company pays $50,000 and Ben Franklin grants $50,000. If the project costs $150,000, the company pays $100,000.
• The maximum duration of a project is twelve months.
• A project may be continued for up to two additional years. The maximum amount that Ben Franklin grants totals $150,000 over three years.
• All funding goes to a Pennsylvania college or university which provides technical support to the client company.

We will come to your facility, meet, listen and, when appropriate, identify resources in the Ben Franklin Solutions Network that align with your specific needs. You decide what individual specialist or talent pool is right for your company. Then we complement that linkage by providing matching grants to fund the work.