Manufacturing Advising Team

Small Business Development Center

Accelerating Small Manufacturers with Strategic Growth and National Initiative

At the Oregon SBDC, we deliver professional–level business assessments and implementation strategies at no cost to small and mid-sized manufacturers who need to navigate market uncertainty by growing and operating more efficiently. MAT services are designed for small business manufacturers at the early-stage to the growth-stage, across all industries.

Our core service, the Strategic Growth Blueprint (SGB), is now a resource offered through the PCC SBDC’s Manufacturing Advising Team (MAT). This in-person and virtual advising team brings the expertise needed to help you adapt and thrive. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Made in America Manufacturing initiative is providing additional resources and tools designed to support a manufacturing resurgence, creating high-paying jobs and revitalizing communities nationwide.

How can MAT benefit your business?

This is more than consulting. The Strategic Growth Blueprint (SGB) is a customized, actionable plan designed specifically for Oregon manufacturers at all stages. It includes:

Business Health Assessment: We analyze your current operations, financial position, and competitiveness with a 360-degree view.
Custom Strategy: We listen and work together to help scale your business, whether it’s in production, operations, markets, or expansion.
Execution Plan: You’ll have a detailed roadmap and accountability partner with your advisors to propel your business forward. This isn’t a one-and-done service—it’s the start of an ongoing advising relationship.

Why MAT?

With support from the U.S. SBA’s national manufacturing initiative and essential grant funding from Business Oregon, MAT provides you access to a rare mix of local insight and statewide resources at no cost.

Local Expertise: MAT is a team-based approach to advising at a 2:1 scale that’s confidential and tailored to your specific needs and environment. Our goal is to empower small manufacturers.
Capital Access: With changes underway with 504 and 7(a), MAT works with technical teams like the Capital Access Team (CAT) to reduce barriers and expand access to capital by getting you prepared for the requirements to qualify/receive working capital. In addition, the Global Trade Center is here to support your goals to expand to international markets through exporting sales, logistics, and distribution.
National Momentum: With the push at the federal level to small manufacturers, there is a tailwind to help you position yourself for success.

Who is MAT for?

If you’re an Oregon manufacturer with the ambition and drive to take your employees, production, and market to the next level, we want to work with you.

You might need MAT’s support if you’re:

Struggling to manage or track inventory efficiently
Navigating vendor selection and supply chain strategy in a shifting tariff landscape
Exploring funding options for new equipment or working capital
Weighing how to finance a new product launch—through internal cash flow or outside capital
Feeling uncertain about how to grow—or how to prepare your business to grow sustainably

These are a few themes we hear often from manufacturers like you:

“Sometimes I feel stuck in a constant firefight—scrambling to fill shifts, chasing invoices, fixing machines—there’s no time left to think strategically about growth.”
“I’m excited about landing bigger contracts, but scaling up is scary. I worry about overextending my team or finances, and I get stuck, indecisive or overly cautious when I need to take a bold step.”
“I know our processes could be better, but we’ve always done things this way. I want to invest in equipment and training, but change feels overwhelming—and I’m not sure what would make the biggest difference.”

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Submit an advising request form to connect with the MAT team. We’re here to help you move forward with clarity, strategy, and support.

“In our decade+ building this business, PCC SBDC and MAT have been with us every step of the way… now we’re positioned to guide the future of music product design, development, and retail.” – Five Star Guitars

Connect with the Manufacturing Advising Team today

With MAT at your side, backed by local and national support, your strategic goals are within reach.

Submit an advising request form here

Oregon Small Business Development Centers are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and by the Oregon Business Development Department.