Center for Applied Competitive Technologies & Small Business Development Center solutions

ROCKLIN – When faced with production, product development or customer challenges, small manufacturers can now receive up to four hours of free private consultation with a manufacturing expert through the Manufacturers Assistance Program (MAP). This service is sponsored by the Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT), and the Butte, Sierra and San Joaquin Delta colleges’ Small Business Development Centers (SBDC).

Small manufacturers are major contributors to California’s economy but sometimes lack access to new tools or technical expertise being used by larger companies to gain a competitive advantage, according to Carol Pepper-Kittredge, Sierra College CACT Director. “The MAP program provides “hands-on" shop floor consultation, technical assistance and resources to help small manufacturers improve efficiency, refine processes and solve problems,” said Pepper-Kittredge.

Through the MAP, manufacturers can receive confidential expert guidance to overcome roadblocks. For instance, a company may be considering a quality program to meet customers’ requirements, automating processes to speed production or re-engineering a product to cut costs. The consultants’ advice and resources enable businesses to consider options that can positively impact their companies. Through the CACT, participants would also have access to rapid prototype equipment that enables companies to redesign, produce and test three dimensional prototype parts quickly and inexpensively.

Participants can also benefit from additional organizational, financial and marketing consultation, technical assistance and resources provided to small business owners explained Indria Gillespie, program manager for the Sierra College SBDC. “SBDC counselors provide confidential, no-cost consultation to improve the potential for business success,” said Gillespie.

To request more information on the Manufacturers Assistance Program or SBDC services, contact:

Lassen, Nevada, Modoc, Placer, Plumas and Sierra counties -- Sierra College SBDC, call 530-885-5488 or go to sbdcsierra.org.

Alpine, Amador, Calaveras and San Joaquin counties -- San Joaquin Delta College SBDC, call 209-954-5089 or go to sbdc.deltacollege.edu.

Butte, Glenn and Tehama counties -- Butte College SBDC, call 530-895-9017 or go to bcsbdc.org.

The mission of the Center for Applied Competitive Technologies is to support companies with employee training, technology deployment and industry development. Since 1997, the Sierra College CACT has supported manufacturers and technology companies in Northern California from Sacramento to the Oregon border.