TAAF: Helping U.S. Businesses Compete Against Foreign Competition Since 1974

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) Overview

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to U.S. manufacturing and service companies that have been negatively affected by import competition. Sponsored by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), through the U.S. Department of Commerce, the TAAF program was originally established in 1974 to aid manufacturing companies.  In 2009, the U.S. Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signing into law provisions that expanded the TAAF program to include "service" industry firms as eligible for receiving assistance.

Regional TAACs Changes Administer Support Nationwide

The TAAF program is managed nationwide by eleven regional, non-profit organizations known as Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACs). The primary role of a TAAC is to be an advocate for interested firms—simplifying a firm's participation in the program by preparing the application and guiding the firm through each phase of the program.

For qualifying companies, support continues through expert guidance and allocation of cost-share funding. TAACs help their clients design and pay for business enhancing projects which are implemented by consultants or industry experts. TAAC professionals are also available for presentations to trade associations, economic development groups, consulting firms, banks and other groups that work closely with the qualifying firms, for the purpose of having these groups better understand this unique federal assistance program.

Collectively, experienced TAAC business professionals have helped thousands of manufacturing and service firms stay competitive in the global marketplace.