Examples of Place-Based Manufacturing Initiatives

SF Made, https://sfmade.org/ Established in 2010, this San Francisco-based non-profit focuses on strengthening the local economy by building the local manufacturing sector. The organization offers sector-specific training programs and networking events, including factory tours. It also maintains a job board, a catalog of locally manufactured products, and provides sourcing services by connecting businesses to local manufacturers. In 2017, SFMade reports the following impacts: 12% new manufacturing job growth, 4,500 jobs sustained, and $791 million generated.

Manufacturer’s EDGE, https://www.manufacturersedge.com/ An alliance of industry and government, this Denver-based organization provides training and networking events, as well as consulting services as part of a partnership with the Colorado SBDC. Since its launch in 2012, the partnership has helped small- to mid-size manufacturers increase or retain $1.04 billion. Manufacturer’s Edge assistance to manufacturers prompted $325.4 million in plant and IT investment and workforce development, $191.5 million in new product and process investments, and led directly to 4,291 Colorado jobs being created and saved.

Urban Manufacturing Alliance, https://www.urbanmfg.org/ Although a national organization, UMA fosters programs for manufacturing in urban areas by providing platforms (live events and online) that connect manufacturing initiatives around the country. Through its partnerships with local organizations, and with its research and intelligence gatherings, UMA strives to shape national policy, as well as to inform the public and leaders about the status of manufacturing in cities.

Manufacturing Renaissance, https://www.mfgren.org/ This 26-year-old Chicago-based non-profit is creating a new program to address a trend in which family owned manufacturers are being acquired by larger companies or private equity. Among other things, it has a program – the Ownership Conversion Project -- that matches retiring manufacturers with entrepreneurs who are interested in keeping the companies local and viable.

North American Advanced Manufacturing Research & Education Initiative (NAAMREI), http://www.naamrei.org/ NAAMREI has more than 60 partners in business, education, economic development, industry, finance and government developing a world-class advanced manufacturing industry in the Rio South Texas Region. Some of the assistance provided includes entrepreneurship support (business planning services, economic incentive packages, educational programs and workshops, entrepreneurial education, grant development assistance), incubation resources, and workforce development assistance.