IDEM and Purdue MEP Offer Technical Assistance and Grant Opportunities to Manufacturers

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Indianapolis – Indiana manufacturers are eligible for a unique opportunity for on-site technical assistance and training from the Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). The Purdue MEP program is a champion for the manufacturing sector and has a longstanding history of providing manufacturers with high value, affordable solutions to manufacturing challenges including lean manufacturing, energy efficiency, quality improvement, six sigma, and more. Now, with funding from IDEM’s Pollution Prevention Program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Purdue MEP is offering a new process improvement assessment to your facility’s toolbelt: W.A.S.T.E. Stream Mapping.

W.A.S.T.E. Stream Mapping can reveal substantial opportunities to reduce costs, improve production flow, save time, improve worker safety, reduce inventory, and improve environmental performance. These assessments take a broad look at manufacturing processes by focusing on all environmental areas including Water, Air, Solid Waste, Toxics, and Energy (W.A.S.T.E).

Currently, U.S. EPA has partnered with IDEM and Purdue MEP to fund W.A.S.T.E. Stream Mapping assessments to 15 Indiana manufacturers at a significantly reduced cost. Through these assessments, Purdue MEP will meet with your facility staff (virtually if preferred), conduct on-site training (virtually if preferred), and assess processes in your facility to identify toxic materials, hazardous emissions, waste streams, and energy improvements. Businesses will be provided with a report and presentation from Purdue MEP outlining opportunities and recommendations for energy savings, less toxic materials and process improvements to prevent pollution and reduce waste.

Unlike other programs, the assistance doesn’t stop here. Once businesses have seen the recommendations, Purdue MEP will offer guidance as businesses prepare to explore innovative solutions to the identified opportunities for improvement. Follow-up assistance includes Purdue’s Faculty Assistance Program. This program pairs companies with unique and challenging unresolved projects with specialized University experts who can assist in resolving those niche problems. Up to 40 hours a year of assistance will be provided to businesses to help identify specific solutions to unique issues.

Furthermore, businesses can also apply for grant funds to provide seed money to implement the solutions. These competitive grants, funded by the U.S. EPA, will be awarded by IDEM. Eligible applicants include only those 15 manufacturing companies selected to participate in this W.A.S.T.E. Stream Mapping opportunity. IDEM anticipates awarding six to ten grants and will distribute a total of $45,000.

Indiana Manufacturing W.A.S.T.E. Stream Mapping Technical Assistance and Grant Opportunity

What businesses receive:

  • Two-day on-site W.A.S.T.E. Stream Mapping training for up to 12 participants ($4,000 value).
  • Facilitated W.A.S.T.E. Stream Mapping project brainstorming, identification, and initial data collection, including a prepared report and representation with recommendations to facility staff.
  • Facilitated solution analysis, feasibility analysis, and Return on Investment (ROI) calculation for final project selection, compiled in a custom action plan for your facility.
  • Up to 40 hours of technical assistance by Purdue TAP Faculty Assistance Program (up to $20,000 value).
  • Opportunity to apply for seed funding (average $4,500 value).
  • Scheduled check-ins from Purdue MEP to collect data on project status and results.
  • Customized final report showing cost savings, carbon emissions reductions, and waste reductions as well as reductions in permitting, fees, labor, disposal costs, and other expenses (potential $10,000-200,000 value, based on previous results. Results will vary based on specific projects).

What businesses provide:

  • $1,500 for Purdue MEP services (used as matching funds for U.S. EPA grant – this helps ensure a commitment from facilities to remain engaged in the program, but at a significantly reduced cost)
  • Employees who will receive training from Purdue MEP and serve as project leads (approximately 20-25 hours of time)
  • Periodic updates to Purdue MEP on project status (gallons saved, cost savings, emissions reductions, etc.).
  • Permission to share results of the project publicly (Confidential information will not be shared.)

Apply today!

For questions about this program, please contact Kelly Weger at weger@purdue.edu.

About MEP
The Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (tap.purdue.edu) provides high-value solutions to help Indiana businesses maximize their success. As advocates for Indiana’s thousands of manufacturers, our staff identifies areas of improvement, streamlines processes, and ultimately increases competitiveness. Purdue MEP serves over 500 companies annually by implementing continuous improvement principles in the areas of productivity, growth, and technology.

About IDEM
IDEM (idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.

HEDC congratulates Ferguson Construction on 100 years in business

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Hancock Economic Development Council congratulates Ferguson Construction on 100 years in business.

Ferguson Construction opened its first office in 1920 in Sidney, Ohio. Their Indiana office was established in 2007 in southeast Indiana. In 2018, Ferguson began construction on their office and warehouse on W 200 N in Greenfield.

“We wanted to expand our client base to the Indianapolis area, and Hancock County has great access to getting downtown, and to the I465 loop,” says Andrew Waggoner, Business Development Specialist and an HEDC board member. “With our Corporate HQ in Sidney OH, and other regional offices in Dayton & Columbus, OH the ease of access to I70 played a big factor as well. Hancock County also has a large portfolio of industrial/manufacturing companies, and that is our niche market. The potential for growth in Hancock County played a factor as well.”

Ferguson offers turnkey design/build construction services like surveying, architectural/civil design, pre-construction and self performing labor, primarily in the industrial market. Waggoner says they also have a strong portfolio in commercial, institutional, and healthcare.

“We also have a special projects division that handles projects from installing a new door & frame to interior renovations or tenant improvement projects.”

Hancock Economic Development Council is happy to have Ferguson Construction in Hancock County and as a board member of HEDC.

For more information, contact Ferguson Construction at 317-477-3615 or visit https://ferguson-construction.com.

Youth Program Resilience Fund applications due August 10, 2020

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Hancock Economic Development Council would like to make sure that local organizations are aware of the following opportunity:

Lilly Endowment is launching a fund of up to $20 million to help youth serving organizations in Indiana address some of the challenges they face because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Youth Program Resilience Fund (YPRF) is designed to offer support to a variety of organizations so they can better serve the needs of school-age children and youth (ages five to 18).

Applications are due Monday, Aug. 10, 2020.

More information is available at https://lillyendowment.org/news/fund-seeks-to-help-youth-serving-organizations-in-indiana-face-covid-19-challenges/

Employers, job seekers reminded of Next Level Jobs grants

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Hancock Economic Development Council would like to make sure that local employers and job seekers are aware of the following opportunities:

The two programs that make up Next Level Jobs, the Workforce Ready Grant (WRG) and Employer Training Grant (ETG), will have increased eligibility, program offerings and funding caps through December 30, 2020.

Individuals can receive free job training for jobs in high-demand fields through the Workforce Ready Grant and $22 million of CARES Act funding is going toward the WRG, enabling at least 10,000 additional Hoosiers to utilize the grant.

The Workforce Ready Grant, administered by the Commission for Higher Education,will be temporarily expanded in the following ways:

  • Hoosiers with two-and four-year degrees are temporarily eligible to receive full tuition reimbursement for short-term Workforce Ready Grant-eligible programs through December 30. (Costs incurred beyond that point will not be reimbursed.)
  • Nearly 50 new certificates have been approved for addition to the current list of eligible programs. Examples of certificate programs that temporarily qualify for the Workforce Ready Grant include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Phlebotomy and CNC Machining. Individuals can enroll in some of the new certificate programs now at NextLevelJobs.org with additional programs available for enrollment on the site in the coming weeks. Certificate programs have been selected based on meeting immediate, regional, and emerging workforce needs. Ivy Tech, Vincennes, and the Department of Workforce Development all added programs to the list.
  • The funding cap per individual has been raised from $5,500 to $10,000 to cover high-quality programs that cost more than $5,500 (with program cost frozen at its current level)

The Employer Training Grant, administered by the Department of Workforce Development,supports employers to train new employees, and upskill or reskill incumbent workers. The Employer Training Grant will be temporarily expanded in the following ways, with $15 million of CARES Act funding, enabling 25,000 more Hoosiers to utilize the grant:

  • The maximum amount of funding available to an employer has been raised from $50,000 to $100,000.
  • $5 million will be allocated specifically for minority-, women-,and veteran-owned businesses.

To get more information and enroll in Next Level Jobs, visit NextLevelJobs.org.

Individuals looking to connect with education, employment, and financial resources available in Indiana are encouraged to visit Indiana’s Rapid Recovery hub, YourNextStepIN.org.

Free one-on-one assistance helping Hoosiers navigate the Workforce Ready Grant is available through INvestEd by calling (317) 715-9007.

Indiana businesses encouraged to apply for Manufacturing Readiness Grants

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The following news release is from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

INDIANAPOLIS  – Applications for the Manufacturing Readiness Grant program, which Governor Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) first announced in May, are now open to Indiana manufacturers across the state.

The Manufacturing Readiness Grants, administered by the IEDC in partnership with Conexus Indiana, are part of the $10 million Economic Activity Stabilization and Enhancement (EASE) program designed to stimulate manufacturing investments that will position Hoosier operations, and the sector overall, for future growth and prosperity. Through the program, $4 million is now available to Indiana companies in the form of matching grants, encouraging operational investments for:

  • Companies committing to modernizing their operations by integrating smart technologies and processes in order to improve capacity and efficiencies, and
  • Companies investing in health care manufacturing technology to support critical COVID-19 response efforts.

Indiana startups, small businesses, entrepreneurs and manufacturers investing in these activities may apply for a matching grant up to or equal to the amount of the qualified investment in new equipment and machinery (minimum 1:1 investment match). Funding will be awarded up to $200,000 per company, but matching grants may exceed that threshold for significant projects that will support COVID-19 response efforts, such as the manufacturing of critical personal protective equipment (PPE), testing supplies or vaccines.

To be eligible, applicants must be registered to do business in Indiana with the Secretary of State’s Office and have plans to purchase smart manufacturing or health care manufacturing technology and equipment that will be located and utilized in Indiana. Applicants do not need to be headquartered in Indiana, but grants will be prioritized for companies that maintain their primary operations in Indiana. Applications will be evaluated based on the project’s overall expected impact on the company’s operations (i.e. percentage of resulting smart manufacturing operations); its workforce, training and wage increases; new Hoosier jobs; and the state’s manufacturing capabilities.

Indiana companies are encouraged to submit applications online.

Conexus Indiana, a nonprofit-branded initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), will review and evaluate all grant applications, leveraging a statewide committee of industry and academic professionals. The committee will make grant recommendations to the IEDC for approval and expects to issue an initial round of recommendations in August. Interested companies are encouraged to apply as soon as possible due to high demand.

About Conexus Indiana
For more than a decade, Conexus Indiana, one of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) non-profit initiatives, has been positioning the Hoosier State as the best place for advanced manufacturing and logistics industries to invest, employ and succeed. By collaborating with industry, academic and public sector partners on a shared vision for an innovative, skilled workforce and stronger business climate, Conexus Indiana has helped to create opportunities for advanced manufacturing and logistics companies, prepare Hoosiers to succeed in the state’s largest industry sectors and maintain Indiana’s competitive advantage. For more information, go to www.conexusindiana.com.

About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) leads the state of Indiana’s economic development efforts, helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 15-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.  

Six spec buildings proposed for western Hancock County

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Six more spec buildings have been proposed for the western part of Hancock County.

Carmel-based Lauth Property Group is looking to develop four properties near its 280,000-square foot building underway at County Roads 700 W and 350N.

Red Rock Investment Partners, LLC of Charlotte, North Carolina, wants to develop two spec buildings on about 46 acres west of 700W and north of 200N.

Read the full article from the Greenfield Daily Reporter here.

 

COVID-19 Hancock County Business Community Updates

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May 5, 2021

Update:

The Indiana SBDC and Roundpeg are partnering to support the digital transformation of Hoosier small businesses and entrepreneurs. Eligible companies may apply for no-cost assistance to help set up and optimize their Google My Business profile. For detailed information please go to: LINK Helping Hoosier Small Business Pivot

April 22, 2021

Update:

In April 2021, Indiana announced an expansion of the Indiana Small Business Restart Grant to help accelerate economic recovery activity by supporting Hoosier entrepreneurs and small businesses. The program provides working capital to eligible companies by reimbursing certain expenses incurred during and related to the global pandemic.

Please click on the link for detailed information and eligibility requirements LINK Back On Track Indiana: Small Business Restart Grant

March 9, 2021

Update:

The Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) has been hosting webinars throughout the pandemic related to business resiliency and recovery. Recordings of all the trainings are available here. ISBDC is in the process of adding more videos as well.

ISBDC also brought on an E-Commerce Specialty Advisor that is available to small businesses statewide to help pivot to online sales. Small Businesses just need to contact their regional office to access the advisor–Hancock County is in the Central Indiana ISBDC Region, for more information call 317.940.3919.

November 2, 2020

Update:

The Indiana Small Business Development Center has unveiled new resources to provide Hoosier small businesses and entrepreneurs with employment support during the pandemic. You can learn more about HR Assistance Program by clicking here: https://isbdc.org/u/2020/09/COVID-HR-Assistance.pdf

June 26, 2020

Update:

Hancock County Schools, letter from the four school corporations of Hancock County, Indiana. – LINK

Plans for opening the schools this fall are under the guidance of the Hancock County Health Department. For more information please read the joint letter from the four Hancock County school superintendents. Letter Link

June 8, 2020

Update:

Small Business Restart Fund
$30 million in federal funding made available through the CARES Act will provide Small Business Restart Grants to cover certain expenses for businesses that have not received federal assistance.

Eligible Indiana small businesses must have fewer than 50 employees and will be reimbursed for up to 80% of qualified expenses.

To learn more about specific qualifications, grant amounts and the application process, click here.

Manufacturing support and long-term growth
The IEDC recently approved $10 million to launch the Economic Activity Stabilization and Enhancement (EASE) program to support technology and operational advancements in Indiana’s manufacturing industry.

The EASE program encompasses three complementary initiatives and is designed to stimulate manufacturing investments by prioritizing startup investment and resources, technology modernization and development, and training assistance. (New grants to assist in economic recovery, Senator Michael Crider)

May 28, 2020

Attention:

Indiana Department of Workforce Development updates. DWD is currently serving an unprecedented number of claimants during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to maintain the integrity of their system, DWD is requesting employers review the following resources to understand the appropriate way to report claimant information to the Department:

Protests and Appeals

Newly Hired and Re-Hired Reporting https://in-newhire.com/

This includes individuals who

  • Have not previously been employed by the employer; and
  • Were previously employed by the employer, but have been separated for at least 60 consecutive days.

May 26, 2020

Updates:

Have you wondered what’s open and what’s closed?

5 stages to get Indiana Back on Track: https://backontrack.in.gov/2348.htm

May 19, 2020

Updates:

Free PPE Marketplace for Businesses, The Indiana Economic Development Council recently launched a free PPE marketplace for businesses with fewer than 150 employees. Businesses can get more information and apply to get free PPE through the links below.

More information found here: https://backontrack.in.gov/ppemarketplace.htm

Link to apply here: https://appengine.egov.com/apps/in/ppemarketplace-phase3

May 13, 2020

Updates:

Hoosiers By The Numbers, your premier source for labor market information for Indiana. Coronavirus (COVID-19) LINK , this page compiles some of the most useful data available to understand the size, scale and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 4, 2020

Updates:

Information about the new statewide policies and how they will apply to different industries during the next phase of Indiana’s reopening can be found online at: Back On Track Indiana Link

Quick link to:

  • Industry Guidelines Link
  • Suggested Manufacturing and Industrial Guidelines Link

Businesses with questions about how the governor’s latest announcement applies to them can email covidresponse@iedc.in.gov or call 877-820-0890.

HEDC is here for you! If you have any questions, please call or email and we’ll do our best to get your answer. 317.477.7241 / cschmidt@hancockedc.com

April 15, 2020

Updates:

Healthy 365 News You Can Use from Hancock Health: A lot of new information as it relates to your health or the health of your employees. Follow this LINK for agency updates.

RestoreYourEconomy is your resource for up-to-date information related to COVID-19 and its economic impacts. It is managed by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) with generous support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and IEDC’s Economic Development Research Partners program. LINK

April 13, 2020

Updates and News to assist small business:

Salesforce Care: Supporting Small Businesses Through COVID-19 Recovery – BY MEREDITH SCHMIDT, EVP AND GM OF ESSENTIALS AND SMB. Salesforce will be offering Salesforce Care Small Business Grants of $10,000 to provide capital to help keep businesses afloat. Links to: ARTICLE and RESOURCES

April 9, 2020

Updates:

Small businesses: there are additional resources for you. Through the Indy Chamber (you do not have to be a member) there is a regional fund that includes the nine counties surrounding Marion County–that includes Hancock County. Currently there is up to $6,000,000.00 in capital. Please go to: https://www.response.indychamber.com/ for more information.

Rapid Response Loan Fund: Indy Chamber’s Business Ownership Initiative (BOI) offers Rapid Response Loans from $1,000-$25,000 for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. BOI is currently providing loans only to businesses who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consider using a Rapid Response Loan to pay employee salaries for the next several weeks, to pay insurance premiums, or consider using it as a bridge loan until additional funding kicks in from your bank or the SBA. Rapid Response Intake Form

Additionally, U.S. Senator Todd Young has on his website Coronavirus Assistance Toolkit. Now that the CARES Act has been signed into law, immediate relief is on the way to Hoosiers. To help navigate the CARES Act, and the relief it will provide, Senator Young’s office created a comprehensive toolkit to help individuals, small businesses, health care workers, and patients understand the relief measures that are available. Please go to: https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/coronavirus

Make sure you are talking with your banker.

April 3, 2020

Updates:

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Information Sheet: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP%20Borrower%20Information%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

Small Business Paycheck Protection Program: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP%20–%20Overview.pdf

Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-smal…

April 1, 2020

Updates:

COVID-19 Response Program now open

The COVID-19 Response Program webinar hosted by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs is available for you to view: The new COVID-19 Response Program page contains:

  • a copy of the PowerPoint used during the webinar;
  • webinar recording;
  • program components and information.

If you have any questions related to this program, please email info@ocra.in.gov or contact our East Central liaison Christian Chamberlain, (317) 416-3281 ChChamberlain@ocra.IN.gov.

March 30, 2020 – 4:00 p.m.

Updates:

U.S. Senator Todd Young Releases Coronavirus Assistance Toolkit

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) today released a comprehensive toolkit to help Hoosiers navigate the resources available in the Senate’s coronavirus emergency relief package that was signed into law yesterday, known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

SBA – US Small Business Administration

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources –  New and updated information (March 30, 2020)

March 30, 2020

Updates:

March 27, 2020

Updates:

Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC.ORG)

The Indiana SBDC Small Business COVID-19 Resource Guide is available for download here.

The Indiana SBDC is here to support you. If you have any questions and would like to speak to an Indiana SBDC business advisor, please visit the Central ISBDC page for contact information.

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA)

The Office of Community and Rural Affairs is in on-going communication with Governor Holcomb and Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch as well as the Indiana State Department of Health. Everyone is closely monitoring and receiving real-time information on this rapidly evolving situation. For immediate and up-to-date information on Coronavirus in Indiana, please visit in.gov/coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issues guidelines on how to stay safe and what to do if you’re sick, visit cdc.gov.

For Businesses

For business-related questions about COVID-19:

***

March 25, 2020

RE: Updates from HEDC and our partners.

Hancock Economic Development Council (HEDC) is committed to being available to serve you in whatever way we can during this trying time for our community and our world.  We know that our local retail and restaurant establishments have suffered dramatic declines in sales and our manufacturing sector employers are virtually shut down as we all attempt to comply with Governor Holcomb’s executive order to Stay At Home. While we at HEDC are likewise abiding by our state and local leaderships’ directives to stay at home, we are still working diligently to fulfill HEDC’s mission to be both an advocate and a resource for the growth and stability of our local economy.

RESOURCES:

Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC):

IEDC offers critical industries hotline to field industry questions about Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-08, which provides for essential and non-essential business operations, infrastructure and government functions while the state observes a stay-at-home order from March 25-April 7.

  • The Critical Industries Hotline will be open Tuesday, March 24 at 9:00 am to help guide businesses and industries with the executive order.
  • This center, reachable by calling 877-820-0890 or by emailing covidresponse@iedc.in.gov, is for business and industry questions only.

IEDC—COVID-19 Updates & Resources https://www.iedc.in.gov/response

Indiana Department of Workforce Development: DWD will host two live webinars for Hoosiers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The 30-minute live programs will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, and at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25. Register HERE. Once recorded, the program will then be posted HERE.

Gener8tor Emergency Response webinar series: register by 3/25 for a free one-week series of daily lunchtime programs designed to identify, understand, and help small businesses secure resources to withstand the current crisis. Registration HERE.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: with COVID-19 impacting the operation of Hoosier businesses, Gov. Holcomb recently announced small businesses are eligible for financial assistance under a disaster designation by the U.S. Small Business Administration. To apply for loans or receive more information about the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, visit SBA.gov/disaster.

Employment Resources from WorkOne Region 5

Hotline opens March 24 to help business and industry with Stay-at-Home Order

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SOURCE: News release from the Office of Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb

Indiana will open a call center to field industry questions about Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-08, which provides for essential and non-essential business operations, infrastructure and government functions while the state observes a stay-at-home order from March 25-April 7.

The Critical Industries Hotline will open Tuesday at 9 a.m. to help guide businesses and industries with the executive order.

This center, reachable by calling 877-820-0890 or by emailing covidresponse@iedc.in.gov, is for business and industry questions only.

Please read Gov. Holcomb’s executive order and this FAQ page to clarify restrictions and acceptable activities and services under Monday’s Executive Order.

All of Gov. Holcomb’s Executive Orders can found here.