Make It In America Challenge

I find manufacturing of all types to be inspirational. I get a kick out of seeing things being made and witnessing the results of innovative thinking. I feel patriotic when I see the “Made in USA” slogans. That said, I am enough of an economist to understand that trade makes us stronger and to believe in comparative advantage. If China manufacturing iPhones allows people in the US to make more of other stuff, I think that is a good idea. However, if the product is not being made in the US simply because of bureaucratic obstacles or because of other entry barriers (remember, free entry and exit is a primary tenant of Adam Smith’s free market), we should remedy it.

I was excited to learn about a new grant opportunity from the Economic Development Administration. The Make It In America Challenge is an initiative that pulls together the Economic Development Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. Through the challenge, these agencies will be awarding up to $40 million to states, local governments, and other entities to implement projects that will help companies expand jobs, train workers, upgrade business resources and develop municipal infrastructure. All things that will lower the entry cost for new firms and help existing businesses be successful in America, the beautiful.