Catalyzing A Clean Energy Manufacturing Hub in
Inland Southern California

In 2023 the U.S. Department of Energy issued a challenge to communities nationwide to coalesce around the goal of American reshoring and manufacturing. Aiming to strengthen our supply chain and create good-paying jobs in critical industries, the Manufacture of Advanced Key Energy Infrastructure Technologies (MAKE IT) Prize is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Blended Impact answered the call and quickly assembled a ten-party stakeholder group aiming to make the Inland Empire counties of Riverside and San Bernardino eligible to compete over the year and a half competition. Spurring from this coalition, this initiative aims to establish a clean energy manufacturing hub in Inland Southern California, supporting innovation, catalyzing entrepreneurship, and creating great jobs for our residents locally.

Incentives Available

Our coalition is prepared to offer technical assistance to potential manufacturers looking to expand alongside local government. For qualified manufacturers willing to sign an MOU with us by April 23, 2025, cash incentives may be available. Inquire for more information.

Featured Incentive: Energy Assessments & Implementation Grants

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Industrial Training & Assessment Centers Program – formerly known as the Industrial Assessment Centers, in collaboration with its Partnership Intermediary, ENERGYWERX, has re-opened applications for small and medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMMs) to receive grants of up to $300,000 per unique assessment recommendation, at a 50% cost share, made in Industrial Training & Assessment Centers (ITAC) assessments and/or DOE Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (CHP TAP) assessments – including what are now called “Onsite Energy TAP” assessments – and, once qualified, other assessments submitted previously for qualification as “ITAC-equivalent.”

  • Operating since the 1970s, the ITAC (formerly “IAC”) Program consists of 36 university centers that train the next generation of engineers.

  • ITAC faculty and students offer free energy assessments to small and medium manufacturers (SMMs).

  • ITACs have conducted over 21,000 assessments of manufacturers of all kinds.

  • Recommendations typically identify >$150,000 in potential annual savings opportunities.

Next Deadline: January 10, 2025 NLT 3:00 PM ET

Why Riverside and San Bernardino Counties in Southern California?

Located 60 miles east of Los Angeles County and 90 miles north of San Diego County, the two-county footprint of Riverside and San Bernardino locally known as the Inland Empire contains both the largest county in the U.S. and the 4th fastest-growing county in the state of California. The region boasts over 20 universities and colleges for access to research labs and workforce talent, lower cost of living and more affordability than our coastal neighbors, and proximity to major transportation hubs such as two international airports, two international shipping ports, high-speed rail, and more.

Don’t just take our word for it, learn more about our communities via one of our partners, IEGO, and their complimentary data platforms; ZoomProspector and SizeUp where you can search for available properties, access demographics by city, and more.