Join the Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP)
to Support Your Community
About the Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) and the Next Stage Manufacturing Program
How can my community benefit?
The biggest consulting need for small manufacturers often centers around operational efficiency and growth strategy, though these priorities shift depending on industry and stage of development. For years, through the Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP), Manufacturer’s Edge (ME) has equipped businesses with the expertise to overcome barriers, streamline production, and build sustainable growth pathways.
Building on that foundation, the Next Stage Manufacturing (NSM) Program empowers economic development teams to connect with and invest in their local manufacturing base—driving measurable growth and engagement. By partnering with ME and the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network, small business manufacturers gain direct access to proven resources, strategic connections, and scalable solutions tailored to their evolving needs.
Community Case Study:
City of Arvada
In 2014, the City of Arvada and ME teamed up to create the Arvada Manufacturing Initiative (AMI). Since its inception 15 companies have utilized funding set aside by the City of Arvada, and gained access to consulting service provided by ME.
- Increased Sales: $2.5M
- Retained Sales: $2.2M
- Cost Savings: $1.3M
- New/Retained Jobs: 64
- Total Impact: +$9.7M
Each engagement begins with a 3–5-hour Q&A session to identify operational and market barriers. A dedicated consultant then guides the business through a structured process to uncover pain points and unlock new efficiencies.
- Arvada Economic Development Association
- Aurora Economic Development Council
How It Works
Interested manufacturers complete a brief five-question survey. Qualified businesses are then referred to their local sponsoring agency for a targeted review—ensuring alignment with the agency’s strategic goals and priorities.
Join the Colorado Manufacturing Network
Conceived as a vibrant, active community designed exclusively to serve Colorado manufacturers, the Colorado Manufacturing Network (CMN) was founded by ME, the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association (CAMA), the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC), and World Trade Center Denver (WTC). Additional partners are added daily as we build out an interconnected network of resources and opportunities to share best practices, celebrate accomplishments, connect buyers and suppliers, and create a stronger, more resilient community.
About Manufacturer’s Edge
As Colorado’s official NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center, ME provides onsite support, strategy, planning, training, and technical assistance to manufacturers of all sizes. ME is a nonprofit economic development organization with the mission “to grow and strengthen the Colorado manufacturing community.” Like all economic developers, we work every day to attract, retain, scale, and assist companies by making sure they have the support and resources they need to succeed.
