The Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) provides services and resources for small business.

• Manufacturers Assistance Program
• Rapid Prototyping
• Resource Links

Manufacturers Assistance Program

The Manufacturers Assistance Program (MAP) provides small manufacturers with up to four hours of free private consultation with a manufacturing expert.

The MAP program provides "hands-on" consultation, technical assistance and resources to help small manufacturers improve efficiency, refine processes and solve problems.

For information, email training@sierracollege.edu or call Carol Pepper-Kittredge, 916-660-7517.

MAP Guides Lighting Company

Efficient Lighting Solutions (ELS) of Sacramento invented an innovative lighting retrofit device for street lights according to Marquita Alcartado, ELS marketing manager. "The MAP consultant validated our product in real terms, reviewed licensing options and offered valuable referrals to help with the next steps in bringing our product to market," said Alcartado. "We were impressed with his depth of manufacturing knowledge and definitely benefited from the MAP meeting."

Rapid Prototyping

Sierra College CACT offers Rapid Prototyping services to help companies develop new products cost effectively. Using state-of-the-art Dimension BST and SST 3D printers, manufacturing, technology, construction, engineering, architecture and design companies and students can transform their unique creations into solid form.

As a not-for-profit organization, Sierra College CACT can offer low fees. Keep in mind that with our small staff, we cannot offer a quick turnaround. Learn more

Rocklin students design trophy for NASA

Students in Rocklin High School's Engineering Support Technology class designed a trophy for NASA's Lunabotics college competition (http://www.nasa.gov/lunabotics). The 3D design was produced using the Sierra College CACT's Rapid Prototype equipment.

Resources

Sierra College offers for credit classes, certificate programs and Associates degrees in Mechatronics, Welding, Engineering, Engineering Support Technology, and Energy Technology as well as business and other college courses.

Sierra College Community Education offers local classes as well as online courses in accounting, business start-up, supervision and computer skills.

Placer County Economic Development provides services and links through the Business Advantage Network.

Northeastern Small Business Development Center provides small business consulting and workshops.

The Center for Small Business at California State University Sacramento teams of 4-5 business students, overseen by faculty, prepare feasibility studies, marketing research, accounting services and consulting on business plans at no cost to small business owners.