Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership Secures Continued Federal MEP Funding to Support Maryland Manufacturers
Federal MEP Funding Renewal Ensures Continued Support for Maryland’s 3,000+ Small- and Mid-Sized Manufacturers
Columbia, Md. (August 5, 2026) – Maryland manufacturers will continue to receive critical support through the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Maryland MEP), following the award of continued federal funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. The funding supports Maryland MEP’s programs and services through the 2026 fiscal year, spanning July 2026 through June 2027.
The funding renewal ensures that Maryland MEP can sustain its mission of strengthening and growing Maryland’s manufacturing sector by providing its more than 3,000 small- and mid-sized manufacturers with strategic consulting, funding assistance, education, and additional supportive services in six key areas:
- Strategy & Growth
- Process & Innovation
- Talent & Workforce
- Technology & Cybersecurity
- Supply Chain & Defense
- Energy, Environment & Sustainability
“Every dollar of federal MEP funding translates into real economic momentum for Maryland. With this sustained investment, we can continue to help our state manufacturers address their most pressing challenges and seize their most promising opportunities, whether it’s embracing AI and other advanced technologies, recruiting and training the next generation of talent, strengthening supply chains, or lessening their environmental footprint,” said Mike Kelleher, CEO of Maryland MEP. “We are thankful for the federal partnership that makes this work possible and proud to help Maryland manufacturing stay competitive and resilient.”
In addition to federal support, Maryland MEP receives investment from the state and industry, and partners with trusted stakeholders to deliver comprehensive, on-the-ground support to manufacturers across the state. This continued funding helps ensure those collaborations and the services they facilitate remain intact.
Established in 1988, NIST’s Hollings MEP program operates through 51 MEP Centers nationwide, providing manufacturers across the country with the resources they need to compete, grow, and innovate.
About the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Maryland MEP)
Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Maryland MEP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening and growing Maryland’s manufacturing sector. Serving as a statewide convener of resources, Maryland MEP supports manufacturers across all industries and regions of the state. Through a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services, Maryland MEP helps manufacturers improve operational efficiency, adopt new processes and technologies, drive business growth, and create high-quality jobs while advancing workforce development. To learn more, visit https://mdmep.org/.
