NRC — Wheel bearing and brake testing facility
Highlights
This program is designed specifically for businesses like yours that deal with railway running gear components. It offers a unique opportunity to reduce wear and cut maintenance costs by identifying potential issues before they become problems. By using this facility, you can ensure your components are tested under real-world conditions, helping you avoid costly failures and downtime.
Key Benefits:
- Comprehensive Testing: The facility can simulate speeds up to 85 mi/h (136 km/h) and axle loads double that of a 125-ton car, providing a thorough analysis of your components.
- Cost Reduction: By identifying limitations and failure modes early, you can significantly reduce premature wheel wear and bearing and brake overheating.
- Customization: The facility can be tailored to meet your specific test requirements, ensuring you get the most relevant and accurate results.
Applying for this program is straightforward and designed to be accessible. Approval will provide you with invaluable insights and data, helping you make informed decisions that enhance the reliability and efficiency of your railway components.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Eligible Expenses:
- Research and development costs
- Equipment purchases
- Training and development for staff
- Marketing and promotional activities
- Operational costs related to the project
Use of Funds:
- Funds can be used to cover the above eligible expenses.
- Funds cannot be used for debt repayment, real estate purchases, or any expenses not directly related to the project.
Repayment Terms:
- As this is a grant, there is no repayment required.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with applying for or receiving this grant.
Qualifications
- Must be a business involved in railway running gear components.
- Must be interested in reducing wear and maintenance costs for railway components.
- Must require testing for wheel bearings and brakes.
- Must be able to utilize a facility that can reproduce speeds up to 85 mi/h (136 km/h).
- Must need testing for axle loads double that of a 125-ton (113,000 kg) car.
Must require testing under conditions of water, grease, and sand contamination.
Disqualifications:
- Businesses not involved in railway running gear components.
- Businesses not requiring testing for wheel bearings and brakes.
- Businesses not interested in reducing maintenance costs for railway components.
Description
This program offers your business a chance to borrow up to $1,000,000. You can use up to $500,000 of this amount to buy equipment or improve your rented space.
You can use the funds for:
- Commercial kitchen appliances
- Manufacturing machinery
- Computers and IT infrastructure
- Renovating a retail space
For other costs like software or operational expenses, the program can provide up to $150,000.
The federal government guarantees 85% of the loan, giving you a significant safety net.
Flexible repayment options are available. If you've made qualifying purchases in the last 365 days, you can include them in this loan. You can choose between a variable interest rate, a fixed one, or a combination of both.
You have up to 15 years to repay the loan, regardless of what you spend it on.
Program Steps
Gather Required Documentation: Prepare the necessary documents for your application. These include:
- Business financial statements
- Business plan
- Details of intended use of funds (e.g., quotes for equipment or renovation costs)
- Proof of business registration
- Identification documents for business owners
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form provided by the program. Ensure all information is accurate and complete.
Submit the Application: Submit your completed application form along with the required documentation to the designated program office or online portal.
Await Review and Feedback: The program administrators will review your application. They may contact you for additional information or clarification.
Receive Approval and Terms: If your application is approved, you will receive the terms and conditions of the program. Review these carefully.
Sign Agreement: Sign the agreement to accept the terms and conditions of the program.
Receive Funds or Services: Once the agreement is signed, you will receive the funds or services as outlined in the program.
Follow Up and Reporting: Maintain records and follow any reporting requirements as specified by the program. This may include progress reports or financial statements.