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For finance leaders in the middle-market manufacturing space, access to capital can be the make-or-break factor in scaling operations, fulfilling large contracts, or simply keeping cash flow steady. Enter the SBA’s 7(a) Working Capital Pilot Program (WCP)—a fresh take on working capital financing that brings flexibility and ease to small and midsized manufacturers who need it most. What’s the Deal with the 7(a) Working Capital Pilot? The WCP is…

The explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving an unprecedented demand for data centers, creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity for manufacturers in Southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA). As AI reshapes industries and fuels digital transformation, data centers are rapidly expanding to support cloud computing, machine learning, and AI-driven automation. The good news? Many of the critical components needed to build and maintain these data centers are products that SWPA manufacturers are…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:Matt HoljesManaging Director, Business DevelopmentCatalyst Connection412.918.4262mholjes@catalystconnection.orgwww.catalystconnection.org PITTSBURGH, PA – Catalyst Connection is proud to serve as a strategic partner in RISE PA (Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania), a groundbreaking $396 million statewide grant initiative focused on decarbonizing Pennsylvania’s industrial sector while strengthening the state's manufacturing competitiveness. Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, RISE…

By Gray Pipitone, Pipitone The shifting global trade landscape has become a significant challenge for manufacturers. Tariffs don’t just affect costs and supply chains; they also pose communication challenges with customers, suppliers and stakeholders. To preserve trust and business relationships, a crisis communication plan is essential. Here are six key strategies manufacturers can use to manage tariff-related communication challenges. 1. Be Proactive Address tariff risks early by outlining potential…

For middle-market manufacturers in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the game is changing. Traditional markets are more cutthroat than ever, customer needs are evolving, and new industries are opening doors that didn’t exist a decade ago. Staying put isn’t an option. The question is: How do you break into these new markets without losing your edge? The Power of Market DevelopmentExpanding doesn’t mean throwing everything at the wall and hoping something sticks.…