Small-scale Manufacturing: Economic Growth and Diversification

Join Matt Wagner from National Main Street Center for an insightful look at how small scale manufacturing is changing the face of communities.

Data suggests that this form of manufacturing is rapidly growing along commercial districts across the country, expanding and diversifying the employment and retail opportunities found in our districts, as well as offering businesses a competitive advantage over online, national chain and big box competitors.

The causes are two-fold: Technologies like 3-D printing, high speed sewing equipment and food processers at scale are shrinking the building needs and cost of entry into traditional manufacturing. This is combined with rapidly changing consumer preferences that are tired of homogenous products that can essentially be purchased anywhere. Today’s consumers are looking for products with a story, made locally and appealing to their unique individualism.

As a result, from micro brewers to apparel and bike manufacturers, many more people are beginning to blend retail, manufacturing and wholesaling opportunities at a much smaller scale, leading to growing tourism, diversified employment and well-paid job opportunities for local communities.

For more information and to register, click here.