July 17 The federal new markets tax credit program provides up to 25% of any short-fall in financing (which generally must be at least $4 million) for (a) the purchase, expansion, and/or renovation of manufacturing facilities; (b) the purchase of equipment; and/or (c) other operational needs.  This subsidy is in the form of a 7-year forgivable which only requires approximately 1.5% interest-only payments during 7 years.  Facilities and operations must be located in a rural community or low-income census tract.

The WVMA Educational Fund’s (WVMAEF) mission is  to link industry and education through its Explore the New Manufacturing Program which  consists of presentations, academies, and video contests.  The goal of these programs, targeting middle school students across West Virginia, is to create awareness and interest in manufacturing careers, as well as the subsequent educational and training pathways through manufacturer-student engagement. The WVMAEF is continually building networks and seeking collaborative opportunities with organizations to more effectively and efficiently create a workforce and provide avenues for our young folks to stay in their home state.

Mobile applications and processes that support your business while giving you the freedom to make the entire world your office Jamie Summers-Brown is the founder and president of Bricks Without Straw, a web-development and design firm in South Charleston, W.Va. Since 2004, his company has served a diverse clientele with offices in both West Virginia and Tokyo, Japan.