Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP)

10/20/2026

So far, the RISE PA grant program has awarded nearly $8.5 million for its Small-scale Award Track to manufacturing facilities with fewer than 500 employees, funding new technology, equipment upgrades, and other projects that improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

On Wednesday mornings during RISE PA Virtual Office Hours, our team takes questions from applicants, facilities thinking about applying, and awardee facilities from previous rounds. These sessions offer valuable guidance and best practices at every stage of the grant process.

The next Virtual Office Hours is:
October 21, 9 :00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Register here: https://penntap.psu.edu/events/rise-pa-weekly-office-hours/

Round 5 of RISE PA is open through December 15, with the next round anticipated to open in January 2027. Take advantage of this free resource to learn more and connect with our team's expertise.

10/16/2026

Our advisors have been busy during Manufacturing Month, visiting economic development and regional business organizations to share NO-COST ways that manufacturers can reduce costs, improve performance, and stay competitive.

If your organization serves manufacturers, educate them about accessible, high-impact opportunities for energy savings, grant funding, and innovation by adding your local PennTAP advisor to your next event or webinar: https://penntap.psu.edu/contact/

Thanks again to the Mon Valley Business Alliance for hosting our Southwest PA advisor Nic Ritchie!

10/14/2026

📣 Don't forget that PennTAP has vouchers available to offset the cost of an engineering capstone project sponsorship for the Spring 2027 semester.

🎓 Capstone projects bring together senior engineering students to solve real‑world, industry problems. In addition to gaining new insight and creative thinking, you'll strengthen your talent pipeline by working with Penn State's engineering students in a real-world setting.

🗓️ Project submissions are due December 11. Your PennTAP advisor can connect you with this opportunity. If you haven't worked with PennTAP in the past, complete this short form and check the University Engagement Inquiry box. You'll hear from the advisor located in your region: https://penntap.psu.edu/contact/

Projects are executed in the Penn State Learning Factory’s design, prototyping, and fabrication facilities, giving students and your company a tangible outcome that you can implement or build upon.

If the program is new to you, check out some past projects here: https://sites.psu.edu/lfshowcasesp26/capstone-award-winners/?utm_source=Penn+State+Engineering&utm_campaign=285b14ff09-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_11_20_07_20_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-5c92d26dfe-345710908

10/13/2026

A few key reminders about the RISE PA grant for small manufacturers:

✔️ Virtual Office Hours happen Wednesday morning during each application period. These sessions are highly beneficial for navigating the application process AND the post-award requirements, such as prevailing wage. Register here: https://penntap.psu.edu/events/rise-pa-weekly-office-hours/

✔️ Office Hours are just one element of the support PennTAP offers. We understand that at most small facilities, time and human resources are precious. Our RISE PA team was built with this in mind to support manufacturers in the application process and throughout the award phase.

✔️ From easy-to-use support materials to team members who can fulfill key application requirements, field your questions, and offer expert insight, real help is available when you need it.

✅ These resources and support are available at no cost. Period. Schedule your required assessment, attend every Office Hours session, speak directly with our RISE PA team... ALL AT NO COST.

Don’t miss this opportunity pass by. Gain efficiency, reduce costs, and position your facility for a competitive future.

Complete this short form to start the discussion: https://penntap.psu.edu/contact/

Whether you’re just beginning your application or fine-tuning your proposal, or you’ve been awarded and are navigating your project journey, our team is here to help. We’ll cover common questions about eligibility, program requirements, and the application process, as well as questions about p...

10/12/2026

Upcoming webinar: Energy costs are one of the biggest — and most controllable — expenses facing Pennsylvania’s small and mid-sized manufacturers. Rising utility rates, aging equipment, and inefficient building systems can quietly erode margins.

What if your facility doesn’t have the in-house expertise or time to identify where energy dollars are being wasted and prioritize energy efficiency improvements?

Join PennTAP, in partnership with Catalyst Connection, to learn about free resources available to help manufacturers tackle energy efficiency issues.

⌚ 11:00 a.m. – Noon
🗓️ October 28
👉 Register now: https://psu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_F57N5mw9QjW1l06DNP9gYQ #/registration

The session will cover no-cost energy assessments, grant funding opportunities like RISE PA, training, and tools to improve energy efficiency.

Who should attend: Owners, plant managers, facility leaders, and operations/continuous improvement staff at small and mid-sized PA manufacturers, whether you are just starting to think about energy efficiency or you are ready to take next steps, such as applying for funding or expanding internal knowledge among employees.

This webinar is offered as part of the Industrial Systems Energy Efficiency Development (ISEED) Collaborative. ISEED is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Technologies Office.

10/09/2026

⌛ The deadline is November 10 for proposals to the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program.

Learn more about the program here: https://manufacturingpa.org/

Connect with PennTAP for help connecting your manufacturing research project with faculty and students at Penn State: https://penntap.psu.edu/contact/

The Manufacturing PA Innovation Program, which is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, is a collaboration between Pennsylvania colleges and universities, the Industrial Resource Centers (IRCs), and the Department of Community and Economic Development. This progr...

10/07/2026

3 things manufacturers should know today about energy efficiency:

1️⃣ Even small improvements can deliver meaningful results
2️⃣ Many projects qualify for grant funding that can offset implementation costs
3️⃣ PennTAP can provide unbiased expertise and support at NO COST to Pennsylvania manufacturers, no matter where you are in your energy efficiency journey

Mark Energy Efficiency Day 2026 by connecting with the PennTAP advisor in your region to start a discussion.

👉 https://penntap.psu.edu/contact/

Lower utility costs. Improve equipment reliability. Reduce downtime. Strengthen your margins. Invest in your growth goals.

10/07/2026

Funding opportunities can help manufacturers turn growth and energy goals into action.

Join PennTAP, NWIRC, Forward Lawrence, Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition, and Catalyst Connection for the ARC ARISE Energy Grant Workshop for Manufacturers — a free session on manufacturing grant opportunities, including funding support for energy-related projects.

You'll hear directly from manufacturers who've already secured grant funding and leave with practical next steps for building a competitive application.

📅 October 15, 2026
🕖 7:30 – 9:45 AM (optional Energy Efficiency session follows, 10:00 – 11:45 AM)
📍 Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA, McKelvey Campus Center
💲 Free — breakfast included

If your manufacturing company is considering a growth, operations, or energy-related project, this workshop is a chance to learn about funding and next steps.

Get details and register: https://www.catalystconnection.org/event/arc-arise-energy-grant-workshop-for-manufacturers/

10/06/2026

RISE PA Round 5 Virtual Office Hours start tomorrow, 10/7 from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Who should attend:
- Active and prospective applications
- Awardees from rounds 1 & 2
- Contractors with questions about prevailing wage and other requirements

Our RISE PA team is ready to field your questions and offer guidance on all stages of the application and award processes.

👍 Pro tip: Add future sessions to your calendar as a mechanism to stay on track.

Register: https://psu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yawL-07oToeyAoeZXIpiWQ #/registration

10/05/2026

Hear directly from a small PA manufacturer about their ROI from investing in clean energy and energy efficiency projects.

As part of 2026 PA Sustainability Week, VAP Steel will share their story in a webinar on Industrial Sector Sustainability, Friday, 10/9 at Noon. The East Pittsburgh-based manufacturer will also detail its experience as a first-round RISE PA grant awardee.
Register: 028295fe-c9d1-45c9-860d-aee0a41217a3@418e2841-0128-4dd5-9b6c-47fc5a9a1bde?source=copyLinkLegacyShareEventDialog" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/028295fe-c9d1-45c9-860d-aee0a41217a3@418e2841-0128-4dd5-9b6c-47fc5a9a1bde?source=copyLinkLegacyShareEventDialog

Check out the week’s other sessions, including a webinar on energy efficiency and the PA Act 129 incentive program, Thursday, 10/8 at Noon.
Register: 0d3aea0a-65b9-4a0b-8125-baf982292448@418e2841-0128-4dd5-9b6c-47fc5a9a1bde?source=copyLinkLegacyShareEventDialog" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/0d3aea0a-65b9-4a0b-8125-baf982292448@418e2841-0128-4dd5-9b6c-47fc5a9a1bde?source=copyLinkLegacyShareEventDialog

Get the full schedule: https://sustainability.psu.edu/event/commonwealth-sustainability-week-empowering-pennsylvanias-future-webinars/2026-10-06/

Penn State Sustainability
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Join Penn State Sustainability and the Commonwealth’s GreenGov Council for [...]