CIFT announced the halt after being notified on December 5 that federal funding for all six of Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers had been frozen. The U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the suspension pending results of a long-running audit of the MEP program, though no audit findings have been released publicly.
Founded in 1995, CIFT provides technical support, product development services, and business assistance to small and mid-sized food manufacturers. Its management of the NOCK facility in Bowling Green has been particularly critical for early-stage food entrepreneurs who rely on the federally certified kitchen to produce items like sauces, spice blends, bakery goods, and dressings for retail distribution.
The sudden shutdown has left many of those small producers uncertain about how they will continue operations. “NOCK has been a lifeline for startups that can’t yet afford their own facilities,” said one local food producer who asked not to be named pending further guidance from CIFT. “Losing access overnight puts us in an impossible position during peak holiday production.”
U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo) sharply criticized the Department of Commerce’s decision, calling the suspension “a direct blow to family-owned businesses.” In a statement Sunday, Kaptur said the federal agency acted “without warning and without releasing any audit report to justify this extreme action,” adding that she intends to pursue an immediate review to restore funding.
As of Monday morning, CIFT’s official website displays a notice confirming the suspension of all programs and services “until further notice.” State and local officials say they are in contact with both federal representatives and affected businesses to assess short-term relief options while awaiting clarity from Washington.
