RISE PA is an opportunity for PA manufacturers to improve operational efficiency with up to $500K in funding. As administrator of the small award track grant distribution, PennTAP is sharing critical information here to help applicants manage the process and timeline.

Applications are now open for Round 2 of RISE PA, a $396 million statewide grant program helping PA manufacturers cut energy costs and emissions. Administered by PennTAP, the Small Award Track offers up to $500,000 for projects that improve efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy.

This fall, PennTAP is proud to highlight three graduate assistants whose expertise is helping expand PennTAP’s technical assistance and sustainability efforts statewide.

Rich McCracken, a retired lab technician and substitute teacher from Clearfield County, created Stackable 3D Tic Tac Toe, a therapeutic game board designed to support motor skill recovery and strategic thinking.

With expertise from PennTAP, family-owned Powell Grain Farms in Mercer County secured funding for a high-capital project that helped the farm realize major energy savings and greater operational efficiency and laid the foundation for a sustainable future.

PennTAP is partnering with Infinite Erie on an ARC POWER grant to help bring bold, community-led projects to life across the Erie region. These efforts are guided by Infinite Erie’s “Investment Playbook,” a roadmap for inclusive and long-term growth.

PennTAP is helping Pennsylvania manufacturers take meaningful steps toward reducing waste, conserving resources, and improving operational efficiency—all through free, virtual, one-on-one coaching.

With PennTAP’s support, Breeze Ridge Farm secured funding for energy-efficient upgrades, saving over 11,200 kWh and $1,797 annually while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

US Mortgage Notes, Inc., a Scranton-based fintech startup, worked with PennTAP and Penn State’s Learning Factory to develop a prototype platform that connects banks with leaders to support low- to moderate-income communities.