Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $532,497 to Expand Entrepreneurial Services in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $532,497 grant to Catalyst Connection, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to expand entrepreneurial services and resources through the development of a virtual maker-to-manufacturer (M2M) commercialization center. This EDA grant, to be matched with $532,899 in local investment, is expected to create 100 jobs, retain 125 jobs, and generate $10 million in private investment.

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support Catalyst Connection’s strategy to increase its capacity to serve Pittsburgh’s makers and manufactures,” said Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary for Economic Development. “This project will expand entrepreneurial services and resources in the advanced metals and materials fields to strengthen and diversify the local economy.”

“As Pennsylvania continues on a path toward economic recovery and growth, organizations like Catalyst Connection play an important role in guiding small manufacturers toward success,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “I'm pleased that the Economic Development Administration is investing in Catalyst Connection, which will create and retain hundreds of jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania and support a critical industry.”

“I am pleased that Catalyst Connection is set to receive an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant,” said Senator Bob Casey. “Catalyst Connection’s work supporting small to mid-sized manufacturers is vital to Southwestern Pennsylvania. This funding will allow the organization to expand their services and resources, bringing increased manufacturing and development to Pittsburgh. I will continue to advocate for federal investment in infrastructure to fund projects like Catalyst Connection’s virtual maker-to-manufacturer (M2M) commercialization center, to help sustain and create jobs as we build back better.”

“Catalyst Connection has provided small manufacturers with the tools they need to be competitive in the modern economy, helping create thousands of jobs throughout our region,” said Congressman Mike Doyle (PA-18). “The Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration grant will help build on what Catalyst Connection has already achieved. I am pleased their hard work has been rewarded with this investment in Pittsburgh’s workforce.”

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.