Fostering Engagement and Securing Grants: MI2’s Foundational Efforts to Support our FY23-24 Goals

In order for MI2 to achieve its primary strategic goals in talent & workforce development, environmental sustainability, branding, and technology innovation—it's crucial that we focus on the member and ecosystem engagement essential to power it and on the funding opportunities that can help fuel these endeavors.[Image: Untitled design 5]EngagementEngagement is a foundational focus for MI2, the underpinning ensuring our success in achieving all our other FY23-24 goals. For the upcoming year, led by MI2 Director of Member Engagement Nick Noble, one of our key goals is the significant expansion of MI2's membership within the metals industry. MI2 aims to double our membership in the fiscal year 2023-24. Moreover, our group aims to amplify the participation of various organizations in MI2's diverse projects and initiatives, across its strategic focus areas, thereby fortifying our position as a central hub for meaningful engagement and collaboration.A pivotal aspect of our endeavors revolves around the acceleration of the pace at which new projects are brought to the market. This is evidenced by our leadership in the Speed-to-Market efforts of the KY/TN National Science Foundation GAME Change efforts. With a dedicated focus on advancing carbon-centric circular economy technologies for advanced manufacturing solutions, MI2 is part of planning efforts across both states through an NSF Regional Innovation Engines Development Award. Such groundbreaking initiatives not only underscore our position as an industry pioneer but also highlight our unwavering commitment to driving technological advancement in the field.[Image: Strategy Group Icons]Grants and FundingIn FY23-24, MI2 will be leading efforts to educate and support Kentucky metals companies to seek federal grant and tax credit opportunities. This will include education, training, and support for industry executives to help make everyone aware of grant and tax credit opportunities that can de-risk or help fund projects on a company’s existing slate or that can help address a priority challenge. MI2 will be hosting a series of webinars, providing training/assistance, and managing digital grant resources for companies.MI2 will also be leading and supporting efforts to bring federal funding opportunities to Kentucky metals industry initiatives. MI2 Grants & Funding Consultant Ruthie Caldwell will be helping to find and showcase potential grant funding opportunities, working with members and ecosystem partners to help teams apply for grant that match MI2’s FY23-24 initiatives. This will include developing a program for stakeholders to submit project ideas that will be shared with metals companies to form collaborative teams to pursue relevant grant programs.