*** IT Kickstart has been integrated into the NWIRC. ***

Revised qualifications and program parameters were announced at events scheduled in September, 2011. Applications are now being accepted.

Application Guidelines

Applications will be reviewed in a highly competitive process. Your company's total investment and the impacts expected by your company post-implementaton are the key determining factors in establishing the grant amount.  Applications are scored with the following in mind:

   a) If your company had been awarded a grant in the past, did you closely examine and report all of the benefits gained from this grant? Will your company, in good faith, agree to respond to all benefits/impacts surveys sent to you upon completion and for a period of time after?
   b) Are the problem to be solved and the solution clearly defined? How much does the problem/solution impact your current or future business?
   c) How complete, detailed, and realistic is the vendor quote that you submitted? Does it include a detailed breakdown of costs? Does the company have the budget to cover the upfront costs, before reimbursement?
   d) Does the vendor have a demonstrated reputable track record or a history of business/service described on the quote?

   e) What additional capital investment will your company make to complete this project?
   f) Has your company demonstrated that they thought through the obstacles to embarking on/completing this project?
   g) How great is the impact that this grant will afford your company, including:

I.    Financial Impacts
II.  Time savings
III. New customers
IV. New and retained employees 

Objectives

The IT Kickstart program encourages small and medium-sized businesses across Pennsylvania to implement information technology projects. The program will enable your business to:

•   Increase competitiveness
•   Increase profitability
•   Improve relationships with customers
•   Provide access to a broader range of IT suppliers

Eligibility

• Manufacturers must employ less than 500 employees and have been established (i.e. have had sales) for at least one year
• Grant awards will be determined on a case by case basis; larger magnitude projects and those with greater impact potential will qualify for higher awards
• Project durations that may span beyond the current fiscal year will be divided into phases
• Project work should not be started prior to grant being awarded

Ready to Apply?

Read through our program process details and benefits summary, and then fill out the application. The application must be approved before the IT project has begun in order to qualify.

Process

1. Submit grant application and copy of selected vendor's project proposal and quote

Send electronic copy to: rmay@nwirc.org

OR

Mail hardcopy to:
 IT Kickstart Program
NWIRC
5340 Fryling Road, Suite 202
Erie, PA 16510

2. Review Process

Company will receive an e-mail in a timely fashion confirming receipt

• If Approved according to the schedule above, NWIRC will contact business to indicate the next steps in the process
• If Rejected, NWIRC will contact business and explain the reason for rejection.

We try to work with companies to qualify them rather than just reject their application.

3. Approval Agreement

• Once approved, the company will execute a contract with NWIRC which specifies the terms of the grant and allows the vendor to begin work on the project

4. Grant Disbursement

Upon completion of approved project, company must submit:

• Copies of IT provider invoices and proof of payment
• Benefits Summary which quantifies project success
• Respond and submit the annual online survey quantifying impacts realized through the project

Please include a completed copy of a W9 form with your application. A blank W9 is available for download below.