STEP 01
Understand the business problem
Identify the workflow, visibility, system, data, or operational issue holding the team back.
→Iowa Manufacturing 4.0 Funding
Turn a technology need into a fundable project.
Eligible Iowa manufacturers may qualify for up to $75,000 through the Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program. Letter B can help you define the project, prepare for the required CIRAS assessment, and plan the path toward implementation.
Iowa-based technology partnerManufacturing experienceCIRAS coordination support
Potential Funding
$75K
Maximum aggregate award over the lifetime of the business.
CIRAS assessment request deadline
November 20, 2026
Program match
1 : 1 Cash Match
The January grant application is not the first deadline. Request the required CIRAS assessment by November 20.
The opportunity
Know the numbers before you plan the project.
The Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program helps eligible Iowa manufacturers move practical technology improvements forward.
Up to $75KPotential award
Maximum aggregate award available over the lifetime of the business.
1:1Required match
Your business must provide matching funds for the project.
Nov 20Assessment request deadline
The required CIRAS assessment must be requested before this date.
Jan 4-29Application window
The grant application window opens after the assessment phase.
Start with the operation
What technology problem are you trying to solve?
You do not need a finished technical plan. Start with the workflow, visibility, tracking, system, or data problem slowing your operation down.
Inventory is hard to track
Explore RFID, inventory systems, material tracking, and better work-in-progress visibility.
Production relies on manual work
Evaluate workflow automation, connected systems, and process improvement opportunities.
Your systems do not work together
Connect ERP, databases, applications, equipment, and operational systems more effectively.
Operational data is difficult to use
Create clearer reporting, dashboards, data analytics, and visualization for decision-making.
Older technology is holding you back
Modernize legacy applications, databases, infrastructure, and outdated workflows.
You want a more connected shop floor
Explore sensors, Industrial IoT, predictive maintenance, cloud infrastructure, and connected operations.
Quick eligibility check
Could your Iowa manufacturing business qualify?
These are the current baseline program requirements. Final eligibility and award decisions are determined by the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
Operate in Iowa
3 to fewer than 125 full-time employees
Across all locations
Manufacturing NAICS codes 31-33
At least 51% of revenue from manufactured goods
Operating for at least three years
Required first step
NOV 20
Do not wait for January to begin.
The CIRAS Manufacturing 4.0 Assessment is required before applying. November 20, 2026 is the last day to request the assessment for this funding round.
The CIRAS assessment
The funding process starts with understanding the project.
Letter B can help your team define the operational challenge, identify where technology could create practical value, and connect with the appropriate CIRAS resources based on your location.
How Letter B helps
We work alongside you, through the process.
Our role is to help turn an operational need into a clearer technology initiative and support the path from early planning through implementation.
STEP 02
Identify the technology opportunity
Determine where technology could create practical, measurable improvement.
→STEP 03
Shape the project
Define the likely software, integrations, infrastructure, equipment, and implementation pieces.
→STEP 04
Coordinate with CIRAS
Help connect your organization with the appropriate CIRAS resources and work alongside your team.
→STEP 05
Move toward implementation
Continue as your technology partner through design, development, integration, and implementation.
Technology capabilities
Where Letter B can help.
Practical technology support for manufacturers working through modernization, integration, tracking, automation, and data challenges.
01 / SOFTWARE
Custom Software
Build applications around the way your operation actually works.
02 / INTEGRATION
System Integration
Connect ERP, databases, internal systems, equipment, and business applications.
03 / TRACKING
RFID & Tracking
Improve inventory, material, and work-in-progress visibility.
04 / AUTOMATION
Manufacturing Automation
Reduce repetitive work and improve operational processes.
05 / DATA
Data & Reporting
Bring disconnected operational information together and make it easier to use.
06 / MODERNIZATION
Cloud & Modernization
Modernize legacy applications, databases, and infrastructure without unnecessary disruption.
You do not need the solution yet
Start with the problem. We can help shape the project.
Some manufacturers already know what they want to implement. Others simply know that a process takes too long, a spreadsheet is doing too much, inventory is difficult to track, or an older system is blocking progress.
A strong Manufacturing 4.0 project starts with an operational need, not a technology shopping list.
Bring us the problem. We can help explore what the technology project could look like.
A good starting conversation sounds like:
“We lose too much time moving information between systems.”
“We cannot see where inventory is without checking manually.”
“Our older system is limiting automation.”
“We have data, but it is hard to use for decisions.”
Important dates
Plan around the assessment deadline first.
September 8, 2026Assessment window opens
November 20, 2026Last day to request CIRAS assessment
January 4, 2027Applications open
January 29, 2027Applications close
Start the conversation
Thinking about a manufacturing technology project?
You do not need to have the complete solution figured out. Tell us where your operation is experiencing friction. Letter B can help explore the opportunity, shape the technology project, coordinate with CIRAS where appropriate, and support the path toward implementation.
Start before November 20.
The required CIRAS assessment is the first deadline that matters.
Letter B Global Technologies does not administer the Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program or guarantee grant approval. Program eligibility and awards are determined by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and a CIRAS Manufacturing 4.0 Assessment is required as part of the application process.