Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center View our annual impact report to learn about the positive outcomes of our work with Vermont manufacturing employers. Highlights include our services, how and where we engaged with partners and agencies statewide and several impressive data points. New this year is moving from annual reporting figures to three year stats; this change provides a more comprehensive view of long-term performance and trends in the manufacturing industry across the board.
SBA Loan Programs for VT Manufacturers
Did you know that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) hosts two programs specific to manufacturers? Geared towards small to mid-sized companies, both programs will align to your strategic business success!
The 7 (a) MARC (Manufacturers Access to Revolving Credit) Loan Program was built to power growth fueling liquidity, flexibility and innovation to restoring American manufacturing leadership.
The 7(a) Working Capital Pilot Program is a line of credit program engineered to meet the needs of growing manufacturers. It provides companies with the liquidity necessary to take on new business, maintain strategic inventory levels, and expand into international markets.
The VT-based SBA District office can assist you with finding out more about these programs and how they can benefit your business needs. Check out the services they provide, upcoming events of interest and success stories.
Leaning Opportunities for You and Your team!
Check out our complete Training and Events schedule and don't forget our 70% off discount for Lean-based public trainings ALL YEAR LONG!
Lean 101 - Lean Transformation
Three Opportunities, all in Rutland! Click on the date below to be taken to the event page to register.
Wednesday, March 11
(there's still room, register ASAP!)
Tuesday, March 17 and Tuesday, March 24
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Rutland Country Club, Rutland
$98 pp (a $325 pp value)
Lean 101 workshops have created and reignited the spark for improvement in countless organizations in Vermont and across the globe. Participants will walk away recognizing the 8 wastes and with an introduction to mindsets and methods that they can use to eliminate these wastes in their own companies. New to Lean or need a refresher? THIS is for YOU!
Management System Certification Bill of Rights
Friday, March 20
12 Noon - 1:00 pm
Virtual/ Free/ Register
No matter what standard your QMS is predicated on (ISO 9001, AS 9100, ISO 13485), there is a prescribed set of rules the Certification Body (CB) must follow when auditing your organization. If you have experienced inconsistent audit findings, a nonconformance not well supported by a system requirement or other scenarios that have caught your attention when your organization has undergone its audit, then this session may be of value to you.
Leadership Skills for Mentors and Trainers
March 31 - May 5
12:30 - 3:00 pm
Virtual/ $500 pp/ Register
If you train or mentor others, this is for YOU! Every workplace relies on mentors – people who help new hires adjust to expectations, teach essential job skills, and advise or advocate for those navigating career pathways. This course provides structured methods, practical examples, and tailored coaching opportunities based on individual and organizational goals. Participants will practice applying mentoring and training methods that support consistent and real workplace improvement and leadership.
You will walk away with methods to clarify objectives and expectations, address problems and people in a way that respects individuals and increases team and training effectiveness, get the facts about what is actually happening now and so much more.
Additional grants may be available; contact VMEC's Carla Wuthrich or Sarah Knight, VT DOL Senior Program Administrator for Apprenticeship, Workforce Development Division, at [email protected] for more details.
Legal Roundtable AMA (Ask Me Anything)
Tuesday, March 31
12 Noon - 1:00 pm
Virtual/ Free/ Register
In this virtual roundtable, Vermont Small Business Law Center faculty and students open the floor to your toughest legal and regulatory questions. Whether you need clarity on contract clauses with suppliers, guidance on workers’ compensation and employment law, or help choosing the right business structure, no legal topic is off limits. We’ll kick off with brief participant polls to surface the most pressing issues, then tackle submitted questions in real time with analysis and peer insight. This is your chance to ask what you’ve always wondered but never dared voice!
ISO 9001:2015 ISO Internal Auditor Training
Tuesday and Wednesday, April 21 & 22
8:00 am - 5:00 pm both days
VTSU Williston campus, Williston
$600 pp/ Register
Create a successful ISO Audit Team in 2 Days! Well trained Internal Auditors provide objective evidence and proof of conformance by using time and resources wisely to support the Internal Audit function. This course is designed to transfer the skill required to conduct Internal Audits that support the organizations’ needs and requirements to customers. Please view the complete training description so you are aware of what company materials are necessary to make your experience the best it can be.
Don't Forget - We Have Cybersecurity Resources for you!
The majority of cyber attacks reported have targeted small and mid-sized businesses. To help manufacturing organizations begin to adopt proper cybersecurity practices and work towards CMMC Level 1, VMEC and Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI) are providing various valuable resources to aid in this task. Check out the Cybersecurity Resource Library today by using the provided templates to help implement proper practices and procedures into your organization and build a more resilient business.
Join The Manufacturing Collaborative
at Rapid + TCT, North America's largest additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event!
Monday - Thursday, April 13 - 16
Times vary each conference/ exhibit day
Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA
Click on above image or click here for complete event details as well as access to FREE registration and additional discounts; see promo code below
The Manufacturing Collaborative, Vermont's Advanced Manufacturing Center in Randolph Center, is exhibiting at Rapid + TCT, North America's largest additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event.
The event’s expansive show floor features hands-on 3D printing technology exhibits from over 400 of the industry’s leading product and service providers. Each morning, at the Executive Perspectives Keynote Series, industry leaders candidly examine the present while charting a course for the future of additive. At networking events, you could meet your next key contact or favorite colleague.
And compliments of the Collaborative, use this promo code - 17272620 - for a free RAPID + TCT 2026 Expo Pass (a $125 value) and a 20% discount towards conference passes. Register today at TMC - Rapid + TCT April 2026. This link and the promo code MUST be used to obtain the discounts, courtesy of the Collaborative. Learn all you can about the additive manufacturing industry this spring!
Part of the nationwide MEP National Network and hosted by Vermont State University since 1995, VMEC operates as a not-for-profit with a primary mission, “to strengthen and empower Vermont manufacturers.”
A local resource and trusted adviser to manufacturing enterprises of all sizes, the VMEC team brings expertise in consulting, coaching, hands-on implementation support, training and education for leaders and workers. VMEC is the official representative of the MEP National Network in Vermont.
Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center
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