Pittsburgh Manufacturing Assistance Program (P-MAP)


How the P-MAP Grant Program Works, Grant Program Benefits

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) is partnering with Catalyst Connection to offer up to $2,000 in matching funds for management consulting services and technical engagement assistance to City of Pittsburgh manufacturers. The objective of the program is to assist small manufacturers grow sales and compete in a global economy.

How P-MAP Works:

  • Small manufacturers within the city of Pittsburgh limits apply for the matching grant funds by describing their proposed business improvement opportunity and potential for impact.
  • Catalyst Connection and/or URA staff conduct a site visit to confirm the project and that the company is a manufacturer within the city of Pittsburgh.
  • A scope of work for the project, along with staff consultants and/or potential third party providers, will be developed for review and approval by the manufacturer. Catalyst Connection will seek grant approval from the URA, on behalf of the manufacturer, for selected projects.
  • If approved, the project can start immediately. Invoices for completed work will be submitted by Catalyst Connection to the URA for payment of 50% of the project, up to $2000.
  • Six to twelve months after the completion of the project, the company completes a secure, confidential on-line survey documenting the economic impacts of the project.

Benefits

The P-MAP program will enable small manufacturers to identify, implement and sustain business improvements leading to profitable sales growth and competitiveness. Examples of potential projects include but are not limited to:

  • New customer acquisition through research and targeted marketing
  • Identification and commercialization of innovative new products
  • Operational improvements using lean manufacturing and quality system tools
  • The hiring, development and retention of appropriately skilled employees
  • Enhancement of web-based sales and marketing strategies