T.A.P. Grant
A Grant Program funded to aid Workforce Development in the City of Erie.
The City T.A.P. Fund is the City of Erie’s first ever grant program for workforce development; designed to support and realize several elements of our Mayor’s Vision, especially: Excellent Education for Everyone, an Abundance of Family-sustaining Jobs, and ultimately, Erie is a Community of Choice.
Established to provide financial assistance to support job readiness and training, it also serves to enhance the City of Erie’s reputation for innovation and creativity; contribute to a thriving, sustainable business culture; and improve the quality of life for residents of the City of Erie.
Start-ups and established businesses from any sector are welcome to apply with an established plan or outline for adding and expanding job training for permanent positions in their facility.
Funding awards will be granted up to $2,500 per trainee. Maximum grant award per company, per year is $5000 (2 trainees per year).
A 1:1 funding match is required and grant dollars will be awarded on a reimbursement basis.
Grant Objectives
- To encourage the establishment, growth and retention of sustainable businesses which enhance the City’s reputation for innovation, creativity, business vitality, diversity, inclusiveness, quality of life and environmental sustainability.
- To create employment opportunities and increase the level of business investment in the City of Erie.
- To support innovative businesses that demonstrate solid market potential and a sound business model, including long-term financial viability.
- To support job seekers in our community that may need an extended period of time for on-the-job training and job skills
Eligibility
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
- A registered business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
- With a physical address within the City of Erie;
- With trainee(s) who reside(s) within the City of Erie;
- With an established plan or outline for the hiring of permanent employees that require a training process above and beyond the normal probationary period for a new employee (90 day minimum);
- New jobs shall be deemed created in only those years when the wage of each new employee hired due to the City T.A.P. grant equals or exceeds $15.00/hr when training is completed;
- The business must agree to maintain its operation in the City of Erie for a period of five (5) years from the start date.
WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
- Companies not registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Applicant not physically located in the City of Erie, or planning to relocate jobs outside of the City in the next two years
- Franchise owners
- Non-profit organizations
- Membership-based organizations and/or associations that DO NOT have a business-related mission or vision.
- Companies on the federal or state debarment lists
- Companies with delinquent taxes, fines, or outstanding violations with the City.
- Owners who may have a conflict of interest in receiving grants from the City
ELIGIBLE USE OF FUNDS
Permanent hires must be completed within one (1) year of award announcement from the City unless otherwise approved. Requested costs must be reasonable, and the City reserves the right to review proposed estimates, quotes, or other financial information directly related to the grant project.
Eligible uses include:
- Specialized Equipment
- Computer Hardware | Software
- Consultation services including ESL instruction or specialized instruction as required for position
- Materials for training
- Supplement wages for diminished productivity during extended training time for specific positions (90 day maximum with a max of 10% of trainee’s hourly wage for a 40 hour week)
- Supplement training costs for advancement of incumbent workers resulting in an increase in wage, thus opening positions at a minimum scale of $15.00/hr.
Application and Reimbursement Process
- Grants will be committed and funded in a competitive manner, with a rolling application based on availability of funds.
- Applicants will be notified in writing of acceptance or denial of projects.
- The start date will be the first day of the calendar year quarter in which an application is submitted unless the applicant requests and the City DCED agrees to a later start date.
- The final grant award amount will be determined by the following members of City Hall:
- Mayor, Joe Schember
- Chief of Staff, Renee Lamis
- Director of Economic and Community Development, Chris Groner
- Business Development Officer, Jennifer Hoffman
- City Council Liaison to Department of Economic & Community Development
*The City reserves the right to deny approval of any application for reasons including, but not limited to, potential duplication of other available business assistance programs, competitiveness of applications received, modifications to grant criteria, etc.
Apply
Applications are not being taken at this time.