FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Innovation Fund
The Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund supports a set of activities designed to spur technology development and commercialization across New York State. The Fund, one of the grants for manufacturing competitiveness, was launched in December 2016 and is named for Jeff Lawrence, a champion of the New York manufacturing and entrepreneurial communities. The Innovation Fund comprises three program tracks: Manufacturing Grants; Commercialization Competition; and when funding permits, an Innovation Challenge.
The Innovation Fund provides over $1M annual allocation of direct assistance to the manufacturing, research and development, technology and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
To date, the Fund has awarded $7.7 million in funding to support collaborative projects throughout manufacturing.
Funding Opportunities
Commercialization Competition
Part of the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, the Commercialization Competition is held yearly and the program provides award funds of up to $50,000. The competition is intended to help small and medium (SME) size manufacturing and technology companies further develop their prototype in an effort to pursue additional investment and customers as well as strengthen their “go-to-market” strategies, as they move from new product/production methods to marketplace. This is just one available grant for manufacturing competitiveness.
Manufacturing
Grants
Part of the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, the Manufacturing Grants are designed to encourage collaboration between not-for-profit organizations and small to medium-sized manufacturing companies in New York State. The grants serve as a resource to help companies achieve success from early stage, proof of concept through maturity. The partnership created with the not-for-profit organization serves as a pathway to technology transfer, adoption and implementation of new manufacturing processes, as well as the creation of enhanced products and services.
Additional Funding Sources
There are many other grants and funds available for manufacturers and startups not only from FuzeHub but other sources as well. New York state, federal and private entities can provide the funding needed to jump start a new idea, assist a struggling business, achieve sustainable manufacturing goals, or help with growth needs. Each one has its own set of criteria and application process, so contact the resources in the list to learn more about specific requirements.
Impact on the NYS Economy
Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund History
The Fund was launched in December 2016 and is named for Jeff Lawrence, a champion of the New York manufacturing and entrepreneurial communities, who passed away in 2015.
During his more than 20 years at the Center for Economic Growth, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership affiliate in the Capital Region where he served as executive vice president, Jeff directed programs of direct assistance to manufacturers and technology companies to increase their competitiveness.
He is remembered for being an invaluable and generous mentor to many in the area’s business community and a tireless advocate for manufacturing innovation throughout New York.
