Implementation
As your firm implements its plan, GLTAAC will cover 50% of the cost of third-party experts (consultants, trainers, other providers). Funding can be used to cover a wide range of projects such as lean manufacturing, sales development, market planning, employee training, quality certification and numerous others (see below). While funding can be used for a broad range of initiatives, it cannot be used for capital equipment, building repairs, employee salaries or regular business expenses.
Firms can qualify for up to $75,000 in matching funds, making crucial projects very accessible. Funds are available for five years, but are often used as quickly as three years. Faster implementation requests can be considered.
Funds are not provided directly to the firm. Rather, consultants bill GLTAAC for 50% of the costs, reducing your firm’s out of pocket expenses.
Consultant Selection
Companies select the private sector consultants who will work on their projects in conjunction with GLTAAC staff. Projects are required to have three competing quotes, and all major projects must be formally bid. This is done to ensure TAAF projects are well designed, will deliver high value, and fit the specific needs of the firm. While all projects must be priced within market norms, the consultant used need not always be the lowest cost provider.
The Great Lakes TAAC does not have preferred relationships with consultants or require any special certifications, which means the program does not limit the providers that can be used for projects. However, GLTAAC has worked with hundreds of different consultants over the years and can offer potential providers based upon this experience when a firm is uncertain about who to consider for a particular project.
Examples of Projects
MARKETING AND SALES
- sales training
- lead generation
- web site development
- market diversification
- product planning
- market research
- new product development
- distribution and merchandising strategies
- review of sales organization
- product pricing
- customer service audit
- customer quoting
- export assistance
MANUFACTURING
- quality certifications
- employee training
- facility and equipment layout
- inventory control and scheduling
- cost identification and reduction
- engineering training
- productivity improvement
- work measurement and standards
- lean manufacturing
- six sigma
MANAGEMENT AND SYSTEMS
- business process reengineering
- financial planning
- cost accounting
- organizational analysis
- human resource planning
- ERP selection
- software selection, customization and training