; and (4) assisting such individuals in obtaining long-term employment. (c) Eligible employers (1) In general For purposes of the program, an eligible employer is an employer determined by the Secretary to meet such criteria for participation in the program as the Secretary shall establish for purposes of the program. (2) Past performance on certain matters The criteria established by the Secretary under paragraph (1) may include past performance of an employer with respect to the following: (A) Job training, basic skills training, and related activities. (B) Financial accountability. (C) Demonstrated need to hire, desire to grow, and plan to grow. (D) Demonstrated high potential for growth and long-term job creation. (3) For-profit and not-for-profit employers The employers determined by the Secretary to be eligible employers under paragraph (1) may include both for-profit and not-for-profit employers. (4) Small business concerns In determining employers to be eligible employers under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that small business concerns (under the meaning given that term under section 3(a) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 632(a) )) are afforded opportunities to participate in the program. (5) Manufacturing In determining employers to be eligible employers under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give special consideration to employers in the manufacturing sector. (6) Exclusions The following employers may not be determined to be eligible employers under paragraph (1): (A) An agency of the Federal Government or a State or local government. (B) An employer that has previously participated in the program and, as determined by the Secretary, failed to abide by any requirement of the program. (C) An employer that cannot give an assurance to the Secretary at the time of application for participation in the program under subsection (f), and in such manner as the Secretary shall specify pursuant to that subsection, on each matter as follows: (i) That the employer has not been investigated or