WASHINGTON – The Ohio State University has been awarded federal grant funding to provide manufacturing training and technical assistance to small businesses across Ohio, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced.
The grant is part of the SBA’s $1.1 million Empower to Grow (E2G) Program initiative shared among three organizations nationwide. The funding will support OSU’s Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) in delivering workforce training to manufacturers in six Ohio counties: Franklin, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Summit, Montgomery (the five most populous counties), and Lake (ranked No. 12 in population).
“The SBA is focused on delivering for America’s manufacturers – the majority of whom are small businesses – by offering the capital and resources they need to rebuild America’s industrial strength,” SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said this week in a statement.
The Ohio State program will target critical manufacturing roles including assemblers, inspectors, machinists, production workers, testers, and team assemblers. Training will include hands-on instruction in manual machining, 3D printing, welding, basic metrology, and blueprint interpretation.
CDME will also provide reskilling opportunities focused on industrial automation, covering areas such as wiring and controls, electrical schematics, wire harness routing, machine safety, and motor drive troubleshooting. The training utilizes various machines, CAM software, and programming needed for skilled trade positions.
The curriculum is organized into four key areas:
Foundational manufacturing skills.
Digital and advanced manufacturing for assembly and machining.
Business readiness and modernization.
Emerging technology integration.
The other organizations splitting the grant were the Bluefield West Virginia Economic Development Authority and the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services.
The grants support the SBA’s Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, which aims to restore American jobs, strengthen domestic industry, and enhance national security through targeted support for small manufacturers.
All training and consulting services provided through the E2G Program are offered free of charge to eligible small manufacturers. The program is designed to help businesses improve their operations, hiring practices, regulatory compliance, and competitiveness in government contracting.
Small manufacturers interested in the Ohio program can contact the SBA at e2g@sba.gov for more information about eligibility and available services.
