6 organizations across state awarded total of $3m to support awareness and preparedness 

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH (May 9, 2022): The Right Place, Inc. has received $588,235 in funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to help support Industry 4.0 awareness and preparedness and increase technology adoption through implementation grants for emerging manufacturers. The Right Place was one of six economic development organizations across the state to receive a portion of the $3 million in Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Grant funds from MEDC. 

Earlier this year the MEDC solicited proposals from Michigan-based non-profit entities to administer this grant program. The Right Place was chosen to represent Region 4, which encompasses 13-counties in West Michigan. The Right Place has set a goal to award a minimum of 20 grants during the two-year contract. These grants will provide 50% reimbursement for qualifying Industry 4.0 technology costs up to $25,000 per company. 

A committee comprised of one individual from Automation Alley, The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), MEDC and The Right Place will review applications and award grant funding. The goal is to begin awarding funds starting in early June. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funds have been allocated. 

Aside from grant money distribution, as part of its MEDC contact, The Right Place will also boost its 4.0 outreach by promoting existing statewide 4.0 resources and host a roundtable event with Automation Alley. 

“Based on our conversations with small- and medium-sized manufacturers, cost remains one of the biggest barriers to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies,” said Terry Hossink, Vice President of Manufacturing Services for The Right Place. “We are appreciative of the MEDC’s ongoing commitment to supporting companies with this funding.” 

To Apply:

Companies wishing to learn more about the program or to apply for a grant can visit https://www.michiganbusiness.org/industry4-0/grant/. 

Eligibility guidelines include: 

1. Companies must be a manufacturer, as defined by NAICS code
2. Proposed project must take place at a Michigan manufacturing facility
3. Companies must be classified as a small business by the Small Business Administration: https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/size-standards
4. Companies must complete an I4.0 Technology Assessment by the MMTC prior to award OR provide documentation of an executed strategy for determining which technology to implement
5. Companies must be an Essential Member with Automation Alley (Free). For more information visit: https://www.essentialmembership.automationalley.com 

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About The Right Place, Inc. 
The Right Place, Inc., is a regional nonprofit founded in 1985 with the mission to drive sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity for all in the Greater Grand Rapids Region. The Right Place works to achieve this mission by focusing on three core areas: People, Place, and Prosperity. The Right Place is an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) as designated by The International Economic Development Council. Find out more by visiting www.rightplace.org, liking us on Facebook, and following us on Twitter @TheRightPlaceGR.