Today’s manufacturing sector is full of challenges, from supply chain disruptions to evolving consumer demands to ever-changing technology. For small manufacturers in Virginia, overcoming these hurdles can feel like winning the lottery, but recognizing these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them.
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The good news is there’s manufacturing business growth consulting for those willing to tackle these issues head-on. Instead of scrounging the web for general training and resources, GENEDGE offers an all-in-one solution — The Emerging Business Program — which gives tailored assistance to small manufacturers ready to solve modern market complexities and emerge stronger on the other side.
The GENEDGE Emerging Business Program is a modern initiative to strengthen Virginia’s small manufacturing firms. Designed specifically for small manufacturing companies, this program offers a strategic roadmap, expert guidance, and a collaborative ecosystem. Let’s run down the details on how you can join the Alliance.
What this blog covers:
- How the GENEDGE Emerging Business Program works
- The leader behind the program
- How the program helps
- How to become eligible
How the GENEDGE Emerging Business Program Works
Simply put, the GENEDGE Emerging Business Program helps small Virginia-based manufacturers grow by following a few key steps:
1: Join
First things first — unlock valuable insights for your business by joining the GENEDGE Alliance and creating your Free Member Account.
2: Apply
Second, interested companies apply to see if they’re a fit based on factors like size and whether they manufacture within Virginia.
3: Approve
If they qualify, GENEDGE picks the ones that will benefit most from the program. These chosen companies get a detailed review to spot growth opportunities and areas for improvement.
4: Match
Finally, each company gets a personal consultant from GENEDGE to help tackle these challenges, aiming for immediate fixes and long-term business success.
Meet the Leader Behind GENEDGE’s Success
At the head of the GENEDGE Emerging Business Program is Andrae Kirkland. With a background in Industrial & Systems Engineering, Kirkland is a veteran in steering projects to their successful completion. Click here to hear it from Andrae himself!
Now serving as the Emerging Business Program Manager, his extensive history — including his role on the board of the Reusable Packaging Association and his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification — equips him with the tools necessary to guide Virginia’s small manufacturers toward greater achievements. Kirkland is a University of Florida alum who combines academic insight with practical experience to tackle these businesses’ complex challenges.
Under his direction, the program sets out to find, evaluate, and uplift small Virginia manufacturing companies for growth with industrial business growth consulting. Kirkland’s approach involves intimate collaboration with business owners, crafting and executing strategies meant not just for their survival but to ensure they flourish and positively impact the state’s economy.
Dean Young, Vice President of Business Transformation at GENEDGE, articulates the organization’s commitment, stating, “GENEDGE is proud to support the growth and prosperity of emerging manufacturing businesses across the Commonwealth, and Andrae is the ideal person to lead the new GENEDGE Emerging Business Program. He is excited about sharing his passion for operational excellence with small manufacturers in Virginia to help them innovate, compete, and grow.”
Read the official GENEDGE Press Release
Program Benefits
Add the Emerging Business Program video: https://youtu.be/Q3hKp9wnRLo
- Access to Online Tools and Information: Companies in the program get special access to online resources. These tools help them learn more about their business and how to improve their work, making them more efficient and effective.
- Guidance Based on Facts and Figures: The program uses data to show companies where they can do better. It’s like having a map that points out the treasure, helping businesses grow faster and smarter.
- Affordable, Personalized Advice: One of the biggest perks is getting one-on-one help without breaking the bank. Businesses get their consultant who digs into what makes each company unique, planning a personalized path to success. This custom help is key to building a stronger, more competitive business.
Does My Business Match Up?
Your company must meet specific requirements to become part of the GENEDGE Emerging Business Program. Here’s a simpler breakdown of the eligibility criteria:
- Must be based in Virginia: Your manufacturing company needs to operate within the state of Virginia.
- Falls under NIST manufacturing codes: You should check if your business is categorized under one of the specific manufacturing codes defined by NIST.
- Small business size: Specifically, your company should have fewer than 20 employees to qualify.
- Completion of application and evaluation: You’ll need to go through an application process where your company is assessed to see if it fits the program’s focus on growth opportunities.
Once you’re considered eligible, GENEDGE will conduct a detailed evaluation to map out a strategic path for your business’s growth, with personalized guidance from experienced consultants.
How Can I Join the Alliance?
If you’re a Virginia-based manufacturer and the Emerging Business Program sounds like what your business needs, starting your application is straightforward. Simply email the GENEDGE team at ebp@genedge.org or visit the official program page at https://genedge.org/emerging-business-program/ to learn more. This program offers a unique chance for small manufacturers in Virginia to tap into local manufacturing business growth advice and resources designed to foster growth and enhance operational efficiency. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your business to the next level. Click here for your free assessment!
