Part B · Startup-relevant scheme
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Incubation
Growth / Scaling
Manufacturing
MEP is a network of centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico that helps small and medium-sized manufacturers (500 or fewer employees) improve production processes, adopt new technology, and bring new products to market. Since 1988 it has worked with more than 86,000 manufacturers.
Type of support
Incubation
Best suited for
Growth
Headline amount
Technical assistance (fee varies by firm size)
How much
Often free or low-cost for small manufacturers
Objectives
Strengthen US manufacturing competitiveness by pairing small manufacturers with trusted local advisors — over 1,450 of them across more than 430 service locations — combining federal funding with matched state contributions.
Who can apply?
- US-based small or medium-sized manufacturer (typically 500 or fewer employees).
- Services are client-fee-based for larger firms but often subsidized or free for smaller ones — check with your local Center.
What do you get?
- Hands-on help with process improvement, technology adoption, workforce training, and supply-chain upgrades.
- Access to a trusted local advisor network rather than a generic hotline.
- Historic impact: $96.4B in sales impact and nearly 800,000 jobs supported since 1988.
How to apply
Find and contact your state's MEP Center directly through the national NIST MEP site.
Key links
Details as most recently confirmed against the official source linked above. Deadlines, amounts and windows change — verify on the official portal before applying.