Sec. of Commerce announces competition

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - The Secretary of Commerce was in Virginia Beach Tuesday to announce a $40 million competition for government funding among businesses and localities.

The Make it in America Challenge will be offered nationwide and the financial award will be split between approximately 15 winners depending on the eligible applicants, according to Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank.

"This administration's top priority is creating American jobs, and through the Make it in America Challenge, we will be supporting business' efforts to expand here at home," Blank said. "By making competitive investments, the Challenge will help communities across the U.S. accelerate economic growth, attract business investment, and create jobs."

Blank says projects must show job growth within the US or ways to encourage US companies to keep businesses state-side.

Detailed guidelines about the project including deadlines will be published by early 2013.