FORGE and M&T Bank to Award Manufacturing-Focused Product Development Grants at “Make It Here” Event

StockNews.AI • 2 days

BullishShort TermCorporate DevelopmentsMTB

High Materiality8/10

Information

Guest Speaker Connecticut Chief Manufacturing Officer Kirti Patel Offers Remarks Guest Speaker Conne...

AI Summary

M&T Bank is the sponsor of the upcoming Connecticut Product Development Grant Awards on January 22, 2026. The event will highlight the support provided to local manufacturers by FORGE, which has helped grant recipients scale their products. This partnership reflects M&T Bank's commitment to economic transformation through innovation.

Trading Thesis

M&T Bank's investment in local manufacturing support may enhance its market position and growth.

Market-Moving

M&T Bank reinforces its commitment to local businesses through innovative funding.
Positive sentiment towards local manufacturing could boost MTB's stock value.
Increased local investment may influence bank lending and growth opportunities.
Grant announcements could lead to heightened visibility for M&T Bank.
FORGE's success supports economic growth in Connecticut, benefiting M&T Bank.

Key Facts

The event will take place at Kubtec Medical Imaging in Stratford, CT.
FORGE helps companies move products from prototype to production.
M&T Bank is headquartered in Buffalo, New York.
FORGE has supported over 1,000 innovators and 10,000 jobs.
$120,000 in grants were given at the last event.

Companies Mentioned

FORGE (N/A): Nonprofit partner of M&T Bank aiding local manufacturers.
Kubtec Medical Imaging (N/A): Venue for the event showcasing manufacturing innovations.

Corporate Developments

The partnership reflects broader trends in supporting local manufacturing and innovation, positioning banks like M&T Bank as integral to economic growth.

FAQ

Why Bullish?

M&T Bank's proactive engagement in fostering local economic development can increase its brand reputation and client base, similar to previous engagements resulting in stock upticks.

How important is it?

The support for innovation enhances M&T Bank's brand perception and could attract more local businesses seeking financial services.

Why Short Term?

Immediate market reactions to events such as grants can influence short-term stock performance, as seen with similar corporate sponsorships.

Related Companies

MTB

FORGE and M&T Bank to Host “Make It Here” Event in Stratford, CT

STRATFORD, Conn., January 6, 2026 – FORGE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Connecticut manufacturers and hardtech companies, is set to host the “Make It Here: CT Product Development Grant Awards” event on January 22, 2026. Taking place from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. at Kubtec Medical Imaging located at 111 Research Dr., Stratford, the event will celebrate the announcement of the latest recipients of the FORGE Connecticut Product Development Grants. This initiative is proudly presented by M&T Bank (symbol: MTB).

Details of the Grant Program

The FORGE Connecticut Product Development Grant program is supported by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF). This program aims to assist Connecticut manufacturers and emerging hardtech innovators in overcoming product development obstacles, enhancing local supplier partnerships, and successfully launching new products while retaining manufacturing capabilities within the state.

During the previous "Make It Here" event, FORGE awarded over $120,000 in product development grants, underscoring the program's commitment to advancing the state's manufacturing sector.

Event Highlights and Remarks

At the event, attendees will hear from Kirti Patel, Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer, who will speak on the importance of innovation in the sector. Laura Teicher, president and executive director of FORGE, remarked, “Connecticut has an incredible depth of manufacturing talent and capability. With support from the MIF, we’re able to fund and work directly with cutting-edge Connecticut innovators as they tackle the toughest step: scaling production here in the state.”

David Femi, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager for Business & Professional Banking at M&T Bank, emphasized the collaboration, stating, “Collaborating with FORGE demonstrates how providing innovators with the right tools and resources at the right time can transform economic outcomes.”

Panel Discussion and Facility Tours

The program will feature a panel discussion titled “Fueling Connecticut’s Emerging Manufacturers: Capital, Collaboration, and the Future of Regional Manufacturing.” Following this discussion, the recipients of the Product Development Grants will be announced. In addition, the Kubtec Medical Imaging team will provide guided tours of their facility, showcasing how innovative products are designed, built, and scaled in Connecticut.

About FORGE and M&T Bank

FORGE is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports hardtech innovators and emerging manufacturing firms with product development, manufacturing strategies, and supply chain optimization through nearshoring. Since its inception, FORGE has assisted over 1,000 innovators and supported more than 10,000 jobs in innovation, manufacturing, and related industries. More information can be found at FORGEimpact.org.

M&T Bank Corporation, a financial holding company based in Buffalo, New York, offers a range of banking products and services through a network of branches and ATMs across the eastern United States, from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. For additional information about M&T Bank, visit www.mtb.com.