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Often referred to as a government "grant" program, Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAA) is actually a matching funds program designed for manufacturers battling import competition. Read on for answers to common questions about this unique federal assistance that helps pay for improving a firm's competitive position.
Are only firms seriously affected by imports able to participate?
We work with a variety of manufacturers and direct foreign competition must be an important factor but not the only one. A firm is eligible if it experienced sales and employment declines due to imports over the last two years. Let one of our nearest regional non-profit groups that manage the program (known as Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers or TAACs) make an initial assessment of eligibility.
Exactly what aspect of an improvement project does the program pay for?
We cover outside consulting services, which can also include engineers, designers or other industry-specific experts.
How does the assistance actually reach a participating firm?
We typically pay 50% percent of the consulting fees directly to the consultant on behalf of the participating firm.
Most often, the participating firm chooses the consultant with concurrence from the TAAC.
How much TAA assistance can a firm expect to receive?
Levels of assistance depend on a variety of factors, including size of the firm, nature of proposed projects and availability of program funds. The maximum limit is $150,000 in total project costs, with a TAA share not to exceed $75,000. Our nearest TAAC will help determine what a specific firm can expect from the program.
Is a participating firm limited to cost sharing just one project?
No. Most firms receive assistance for more than just one project, depending on the nature and cost of each project. Contact the nearest TAAC for additional information.
Your list of typical TAA projects is extensive, but not exhaustive. Are there other types of eligible projects?
Yes. Since we take a customized approach to assisting firms, there are many other industry-specific and company-specific projects that are potentially cost shareable. The TAAC will work with the firm to identify just the right mix of projects to enhance a firm's overall competitiveness, NOT just the import impacted areas of the business.
How do interested firms fill out an application?
They don't. Our professional staff of TAA personnel acts as a firm's advocate and is responsible for preparing the application on the firm's behalf. All company information is kept confidential. Contact the nearest TAAC to get started.
Call us for answers to all your other questions regarding the TAA program.
TAA provides substantial financial assistance to offset the cost of projects that strengthen operations and sharpen competitiveness for manufacturers in many industries. This customized business assistance is used for a variety of projects, including marketing, information technology, manufacturing, engineering, and quality.
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Trade
Adjustment Assistance For Firms
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce
Economic Development Administration
Washington, DC 20230
info@taacenters.org
