Frequently Asked Questions

What is the USMCA Manufacturing Relocation Grant?

The USMCA Manufacturing Relocation Grant is a NAECE program designed to encourage manufacturing investment within the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The program helps eligible manufacturers offset costs associated with establishing, relocating, expanding, or strengthening manufacturing operations within the USMCA region.

What is the maximum grant amount?

Eligible projects may receive up to $250,000 in grant funding. Actual award amounts are determined based on project scope, anticipated economic impact, available funding, and program requirements.

Is this a loan?

No. The USMCA Manufacturing Relocation Grant is a grant program. Approved funding does not need to be repaid unless otherwise specified in a grant agreement.

Who can apply?

Manufacturers of all sizes may apply, including small businesses, medium-sized manufacturers, large enterprises, startups with manufacturing plans, and international companies seeking to establish production within the USMCA region.

Do I need to relocate an entire factory to qualify?

No. Eligible projects may include facility relocations, production line transfers, facility expansions, capacity increases, equipment relocations, new manufacturing facilities, and other qualifying manufacturing investments.

Can existing North American manufacturers apply?

Yes. Existing manufacturers operating within the United States, Canada, or Mexico may apply if they are undertaking qualifying expansion, modernization, or manufacturing investment projects.

Can international companies apply?

Yes. International manufacturers seeking to establish or relocate manufacturing operations within the USMCA region may be eligible to apply.

What types of projects qualify?

Eligible projects may include manufacturing relocations, facility expansions, new production facilities, equipment transfers, production line installations, reshoring initiatives, supply chain investments, and other projects that strengthen manufacturing within North America.

What expenses may be eligible?

Eligible expenses may include facility relocation costs, equipment transportation, production line setup, facility improvements, workforce training, commissioning expenses, startup costs, and other approved manufacturing-related expenditures.

What industries are eligible?

The program is open to a broad range of manufacturing sectors. Priority may be given to projects that strengthen North American supply chains, create jobs, increase domestic production capacity, or support strategic industries.

Are startups eligible?

Yes. Startup manufacturers may be eligible if they can demonstrate a viable business plan, manufacturing strategy, financial capability, and anticipated economic impact.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are evaluated based on factors including project feasibility, manufacturing investment, economic impact, job creation potential, supply chain benefits, alignment with USMCA objectives, and available funding.

Will job creation improve my chances of approval?

Projects that create jobs, increase manufacturing capacity, strengthen local economies, or enhance supply chain resilience may receive favorable consideration during the evaluation process.

What documentation is required?

Applicants may be asked to provide business plans, project budgets, financial information, facility information, implementation timelines, ownership documentation, and any other information necessary to evaluate the project.

How long does the review process take?

Review times vary depending on project complexity, application volume, and the completeness of submitted documentation.

Does submitting an application guarantee funding?

No. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Funding decisions are based on eligibility, project evaluation, available funding, and program requirements.

Are funds limited?

Yes. Grant funding is limited and awarded subject to available program resources.

What happens if funding is exhausted?

Applications may be deferred to a future funding cycle, placed on a waiting list, or declined based on funding availability.

Can a company apply for more than one project?

Yes. Companies may submit multiple projects for consideration. Each application will be evaluated independently.

Does receiving this grant require giving up ownership or equity?

No. NAECE grants do not require applicants to surrender ownership, equity, or control of their business.

Will my information be kept confidential?

NAECE takes reasonable measures to protect applicant information and uses submitted information solely for program administration, evaluation, compliance, and reporting purposes, subject to applicable laws and program requirements.

Can I appeal a funding decision?

Applicants may request a review if they believe relevant information was overlooked during the evaluation process. Final funding decisions remain at NAECE’s discretion.

Why does NAECE offer this grant?

Strong manufacturing drives economic growth, job creation, innovation, and supply chain resilience. The USMCA Manufacturing Relocation Grant was created to encourage manufacturing investment within North America and help strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Can the grant be used to relocate manufacturing from outside the USMCA region into North America?

Yes. One of the objectives of the program is to encourage manufacturing investment within the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Projects involving the relocation or reshoring of manufacturing activities from outside the USMCA region may be eligible for consideration, subject to program requirements and funding availability.