Both imports and Defense spending decreases can have detrimental impacts on small- to medium-sized manufacturers. Fortunately, there are two programs out there that are designed to assist companies in each situation: The Defense Manufacturing Assistance Program (DMAP) and the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) program.
DMAP: Help for Those Negatively Impacted by Defense Spending Decreases
If your manufacturing business has been negatively impacted by decreases in defense spending, you may qualify for the Defense Manufacturing Assistance Program (DMAP).
The DMAP program is a three-university collaborative developed to support Ohio, Indiana and Michigan companies that have seen at least a 5% reduction in sales, production or employment over the past 24 to 36 months. Your company may also qualify if it has experienced loss of a major product line due to the loss of a Defense-related contract.
Each state’s DMAP program is handled by a major university within that state. In Ohio, it is The Ohio State University (OSU) who is contracted to run the DMAP program.
For more detailed information, please visit the website and download the following documents released by OSU: DMAP Overview, and DMAP Company and Community Qualifications
TAAF: Help for Those Negatively Impacted by Imports
If you are a small manufacturer who has been negatively impacted by imports and are serious about rebuilding your business, you may qualify for the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) program offered by the Great Lakes Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (GLTAAC). TAAF helps by providing project assistance of up to $75,000 in matching funds that can be used to tackle crucial initiatives.
To qualify for TAAF, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be an independent company or wholly owned subsidiary with headquarters in Indiana, Michigan or Ohio
- Your company has been in business at least two years
- Your company’s sales are down by more than 5% due to imports
- Your company’s average employment is down by at least 5% due to imports
Please contact us if you need assistance with either program, or if you have a different issue not mentioned here that we may be able to help you resolve.
