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Manufacturing Training and Assistance
Federal and state agencies offer a number of free and low-cost in-person programs to help small manufacturers manage and expand their operations.
In-Person, Start Up & Management Assistance
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers
MEP is a Federal-state government service that connects small manufacturers with a national network of specialists who help business owners expand operations and improve productivity.
About MEP
Learn how MEP helps small manufacturers
MEP services include:
- Enterprise Management
- Strategic Planning
- Process Improvement
- Lean Enterprise
- Supply Chain Management
- Quality Systems
- Energy Auditing ... and much more
Contact a MEP Center in your state to find more information.
USA National Innovation Marketplace
The USA National Innovation Marketplace is a MEP service that helps manufactures determine the products to make and where to sell them. This new program provides assistance with creating business plans and obtaining financing, and aims to help manufacturers discover new industries and markets in order to remain competitive and profitable.
Export Assistance
The federal government offers free in-person counseling services to help small manufacturers obtain export financing and locate business opportunities overseas.
- U.S. Export Assistance Centers
Located in major metropolitan areas throughout the U.S., these centers provide small and medium-sized businesses with local, personalized export assistance by professionals from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Export-Import Bank and other public and private organizations. - Contact a Trade Specialist
The U.S. Commercial Service provides a network of export and industry specialists located in over 100 U.S. cities and 80 countries. These professionals provide free counseling and a variety of products and services to assist small and midsized U.S. businesses export their products and services. - USTDA Consultant Database for Small Businesses
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency provides this database of companies and individuals providing fee-based consulting services to small business interested in importing and exporting.
Visit Start an Export Business to find resources to help you export your goods overseas.
Government Contracting Assistance
The Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) form a nationwide network of procurement professionals providing free and low-cost, hands-on help to small businesses seeking to compete for Federal government contracts. PTAC has assisted several manufacturers in competing for, and winning contracting bids.
General Small Business Assistance
The U.S. Small Business Administration and other Federal and state government agencies provide a variety of in-person assistance programs that help small businesses prepare business plans, obtain financing, start up operations, and expand into new markets.
Business Site Selection Services
State economic development agencies assist small manufactures with finding and selecting a location for their operations. These services include listings of available office and industry space, as well as technical assistance with locating or relocating your operation.
Visit Choosing a Business Location to find a listing of site selection services in your state.
Energy Efficiency Services
Your first step toward energy efficiency is to learn basic energy management practices. SBA and ENERGY STAR® have partnered to create the following guides for small manufacturers:
- Energy Efficiency Guide for Small Manufacturers
Discover energy saving products and practices for small manufacturers. - Energy Management Basics for Small Manufacturers
Learn the steps to developing a long-term energy management strategy.
Next, obtain a free energy audit for your facility from your state or local government energy agency. An energy audit will provide details on your current energy consumption levels, and recommendations for improvements and cost savings. Many local MEP Centers also provide energy audit services.
Next, build an energy efficiency culture in your business. Visit Industrial Technology Best Practices to learn about leading energy conversation practices in industrial plants.
Finally, consider going beyond being energy efficient, and apply environmentally friendly and sustainable practices to your production process and finished goods. Visit the Green Marketing Guide to learn how to "green" certify your product and market to green consumers.
