USA MADE–SBA Grant

Supporting Small Manufacturers in Central Wisconsin

Mid-State Technical College is partnering with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to support small manufacturers and the manufacturing workforce across Central Wisconsin.

Through the Empower to Grow (E2G) initiative, Mid-State will provide eligible manufacturers with hands-on training, technical assistance and business support. These services are designed to help employers build a skilled workforce, improve operations, and prepare for future growth.

Serving Central Wisconsin Manufacturers

This initiative is intended to support manufacturers throughout:

  • Wisconsin Rapids
  • Stevens Point
  • Marshfield
  • Plover
  • Adams
  • Surrounding rural communities

To be eligible for Empower to Grow (“E2G”) services, a client must qualify as small according to SBA's size standards and be one or more of the following:

  • Located in areas of high unemployment or low income.
  • Owned by low-income individuals.
  • Eligible for SBA's 8(a) program.

What We’re Building

USA MADE is being built around the real needs of Central Wisconsin manufacturers. Explore the training areas below to see how the initiative can help strengthen skills, develop employees and support business growth.

Build essential skills needed to succeed in modern manufacturing environments. Topics may include workplace safety, manufacturing operations, technical documentation, assembly processes, quality awareness, and foundational technical skills that support workplace readiness and career advancement.

Ideal Participants:

  • New hires
  • Entry-level manufacturing employees
  • Production operators
  • Assembly technicians
  • Individuals entering advanced manufacturing careers.
  • Employees transitioning into manufacturing roles.

Develop knowledge of quality management systems, industry standards, inspection methodologies, and compliance requirements that support consistent product quality and operational excellence.

Ideal Participants:

  • Quality technicians
  • Quality inspectors
  • Manufacturing technicians
  • Production leads
  • Compliance personnel
  • Employees supporting regulated manufacturing environments

Explore practical approaches to improving manufacturing efficiency, production flow, problem-solving, and process optimization. Participants gain exposure to continuous improvement concepts and methods that support scalable and sustainable operations.

Ideal Participants:

  • Manufacturing engineers
  • Process engineers
  • Continuous improvement team members
  • Production supervisors
  • Technical leads
  • Employees responsible for process optimization

Examine the technologies, systems, and strategies that support modern manufacturing operations, digital workflows, production visibility, traceability, and supply chain resiliency.

Ideal Participants:

  • Operations professionals
  • Manufacturing planners
  • Supply chain personnel
  • ERP/MES users
  • Engineering and technical staff
  • Quality and compliance professionals
  • Manufacturing leaders involved in digital transformation initiatives

Strengthen leadership capabilities and workforce development practices that support employee growth, cross-training, succession planning, and organizational effectiveness.

Ideal Participants:

  • Frontline supervisors
  • Team leads
  • Managers
  • Human resource professionals
  • Workforce development coordinators
  • Operations leaders
  • Emerging leaders preparing for advancement

Beyond Training

In addition to workforce training, future offerings may include:

  • Technical assistance
  • Industry subject matter experts
  • Workforce assessments
  • Leadership development
  • Process improvement support
  • Quality and compliance guidance
  • Industry roundtables and speaker events
  • Customized employer solutions

Over the coming months, Mid-State will host employer roundtables and partner discussions. Employer feedback will help shape future training offerings and workforce development initiatives across the region.

Interested in Participating?

We believe the best workforce solutions are built with our employers. Complete this form to share your feedback and workforce training needs: Employer Training Request

Contact

Sierra Van Rixel, Workforce & Professional Development Consultant, 715-389-7026

About Empower to Grow

The Empower to Grow program, formerly known as 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance program, provides eligible U.S. small businesses with free business courses, tailored training, and one-on-one consulting to support their growth, operations, hiring, regulatory compliance, and government contracting competitiveness. The Empower to Grow program uplifts businesses to be procurement ready for federal, state, and local government contracts. For more questions about the Empower to Grow program, visit: Empower to Grow Program.