USA MADE – SBA Grant
Strengthen your workforce. Improve operations. Grow your business.
Free Training for Central Wisconsin Manufacturers
Eligible manufacturers can access workforce training and business support at no cost through Mid-State’s SBA-funded USA MADE initiative.
Does Your Business Qualify?
To participate in USA MADE, your business must meet two requirements. If you're not sure, we can help you find out.
1. Meet SBA Small Business Size Standards
Your business must meet the SBA's small business size standard requirements for its industry, based on your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code.
If you're unsure whether your business meets SBA size standards, the SBA provides a Size Standards Tool that can help determine whether your business qualifies as a small business based on your industry and size.
2. Meet at Least One Additional Eligibility Criterion
In addition to the size requirement, your business must meet at least one of the following:
- Current SBA 8(a) Program participant or eligible for SBA 8(a) participation.
- Located in a designated HUBZone.
- Certified as an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB).
- Located in a qualifying low-income area.
- Located in a qualifying high-unemployment area.
Not sure if your company qualifies?
Complete the Eligibility Verification Form, and Mid-State will help determine whether your business meets the program requirements.
Solutions to Support Your Business Goals
From leadership development to process improvement, USA MADE can help address workforce and business challenges through SBA-funded support in a cohort training environment.
Manufacturing Foundations & Technical Assembly
Build the skills needed to work in manufacturing. This hands-on training covers basic production, assembly, workplace safety, and daily operations. Employees gain practical skills they can use on the job.
Measurement, Inspection, & Engineering Drawings
Learn how to measure parts, check work accuracy, and read technical drawings. This training helps employees understand quality standards, use measuring tools, and produce accurate, consistent work.
Manufacturing Engineering & Process Improvement
Find ways to improve production, reduce waste, and save time. Employees learn how to solve common problems, improve work processes, and help their companies operate more efficiently.
Quality, Compliance, & Supply Chain Systems
Learn how to maintain product quality, follow industry rules, and manage the flow of materials and supplies. This training helps employees understand how these systems work together to keep production running smoothly.
Workforce Leadership & Program Management
Build the skills needed to lead teams and manage projects. This training covers clear communication, teamwork, planning, and problem-solving. Employees learn how to support their teams and handle everyday challenges in manufacturing.
Additional Services
- Cohort-based training
- Customized workforce training
- Workforce assessments
- Consulting and technical assistance services
Additional training opportunities may be available based on employer needs, grant requirements, and approved offerings.
How to Get Started
It's easy to determine your eligibility and explore training opportunities for your workforce.
Complete the Eligibility Verification Form
Provide basic information about your business so Mid-State can begin reviewing your qualifications.
Mid-State Reviews Your Eligibility
Our team will review your information and contact you if additional details or documentation are needed.
Explore Your Training Opportunities
Once eligibility is confirmed, we'll work with you to identify available training aligned with your business needs.
Common Eligibility Questions
There is no single employee limit for all businesses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) sets different size limits based on the type of manufacturing business. Even companies with hundreds of employees may qualify. Mid-State can help you find out if your business meets the size requirements.
Not always. Your business may qualify based on where it is located or other SBA rules, even if it does not have an SBA certification.
A HUBZone is an area identified by the SBA as needing more business growth and job opportunities. Businesses located in these areas may qualify for the program.
You can check your business address using the SBA HUBZone Map.
Some businesses may qualify because they are located in counties where more residents have lower incomes than the Wisconsin average. Businesses in Adams, Wood, Portage, and other Central Wisconsin counties may qualify. Mid-State will check your business address to see if it meets the grant's requirements.
Additional information is available through the NIH Poverty Data.
A high-unemployment area is a county with an unemployment rate at or above 140% of the lesser of the state or national average. Mid-State will verify eligibility using your business address and applicable program guidance.
Additional information is available through the NIH Unemployment Data.
Yes! Eligible manufacturing businesses can receive free employee training and business support through the USA MADE grant. Training is available at no cost as long as grant funding is available and program requirements are met.
That's okay! You don't need to know all the SBA rules before getting started. Simply complete the Eligibility Verification Form. Mid-State will review your information and let you know if your business qualifies.
Yes! Eligible businesses may be able to enroll more than one employee in training. The number of employees who can take part depends on available space and grant requirements.
Discover What's Possible
Take the first step toward free workforce training for your employees. Complete the Eligibility Verification Form to get started. Mid-State will review your information and help determine your eligibility for the USA MADE grant.
Questions? Let's Talk.
Sierra Van Rixel, Workforce & Professional Development Consultant, 715-389-7026
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The USA MADE project is financed with $5,000,000 in federal funding, representing 100% of total project costs. Nongovernmental funding totals $0, representing 0% of total project costs.
If you have a disability and require accommodations to participate in this activity, contact the event coordinator as soon as possible, ideally 14 days in advance.
