The Scalable Grant Program is a grant from Innovation Works that funds hardware startups in southwestern Pennsylvania to advance from the prototype stage into production by building lasting relationships with local manufacturers. The reimbursement-based program provides up to $25,000, covering 50% of eligible expenses to incentivize local manufacturing partnerships and reduce reliance on distant supply chains.

Eligible applicants are hardware startups based in or partnering with manufacturers in southwestern Pennsylvania. The program requires a jointly developed proposal including scope of work, timeline, vendors, and cost estimates, subject to approval by Innovation Works' Investment Committee. Recipients complete an annual impact survey for three years following the grant conclusion.

Scalable Grant | Innovation Works Innovation Adoption Program Take Your Idea to the Next Stage The Scalable Grant Program is designed to encourage hardware entrepreneurs to form strong relationships with local manufacturers in southwestern Pennsylvania. No more long-distance partnerships. No more precarious supply chains.

Just the local, strong manufacturing connections you need to bring your prototype to production. How Scalable Grants for Founders Work Our model empowers entrepreneurs to advance from the prototype stage into production by providing startups with a reimbursement grant of up to $25,000 as an incentive to build lasting relationships with local manufacturing partners.

How to Apply for Scalable Grants We will work with you to draft a proposal that will include: a scope of work, timeline, vendors, reimbursement maximum, and cost estimates. The proposal must then be approved by IW’s Investment Committee. Then the proposal will be put into a contract.

After contract execution, IW reimburses 50% of eligible expenses up to the grant cap, with payments issued on the 1st and 15th. The grant concludes at the date specified in the contract or when the reimbursement cap is reached, whichever comes first. At the conclusion of the grant, we will send you a final report summarizing the project’s impact.

You can view the final report template here . You will be required to complete an annual impact survey for three years following the conclusion of the grant. View an example of the impact survey here .

Have questions or suggestions? Schedule a call . Looking for a manufacturer?

Explore the Scalable Database . To add a manufacturer or list your own business, submit the form here . Not all submitted information will appear on the public database .

Grantee must be a Pennsylvania based business Grantee must designate an eligible manufacturing partner/s that will provide products and/or services that help grantee reach the next stage of scale Grantee or eligible manufacturing partner/s must be based in one of these nine southwestern PA counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Washington, & Westmoreland Grantee must identify eligible expenses that will exceed 2 times the reimbursement cap outlined in the contract Grantee must be willing and able to pay vendors without receiving reimbursement for up to 1 month Grantee must complete a final report upon completion of the grant Grantee must agree to complete impact surveys, which include annual revenue and job creation statistics, annually for 3 years after the project is completed Grantee must agree to 1 site visit per fiscal year that the grant is active Grantee must not have any delinquent liens against their business Frequently Asked Questions : ; Do I need to have a manufacturer lined up for my project to be considered for Scalable funds?

Nope! We encourage you to complete our intake form early and often. Once we have an idea of what you’re trying to accomplish, we can help you find the right supplier and strengthen your proposal.

It’s important to know that your proposal can’t be funded without a quote from an eligible supplier. : ; How quickly can I receive funds from Scalable? This depends on the time of year, funding source, and project.

It’s safe to assume that the fastest you would be able to receive funding is 6 weeks, but most projects will take about 10-12 weeks between application and receipt of first funds. : ; Which companies are eligible for Scalable funds?

Any Pennsylvania-based startup can receive Scalable funds as long as they are utilizing small to mid-sized manufacturers located in one of the following 9 counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland. Check out our Scalable Database or schedule a meeting i f you need help finding a supplier. Join a community of entrepreneurs building what’s next.

Apply for the Scalable Grant to secure funding designed to help scalable startups grow, hire, and reach new markets. Start your application today and see how Innovation Works can support your journey. Two Allegheny Center, Ste.

100 Innovation Works is the Ben Franklin Technology Partner of Southwestern PA and is supported by the Department of Community and Economic Development.