California Roadmap
for Small Manufacturers
No-fee expert advising and hands-on training to strengthen operations and grow your business.
The California Roadmap for Small Manufacturers connects you with experienced industry professionals for one-on-one advising and structured group training — at no cost to qualifying businesses.
Whether you need help with lean operations, compliance, cybersecurity, workforce challenges, or growth strategy, the program provides practical guidance tailored to your situation.
One-on-one with an industry expert
Each engagement pairs you with a seasoned professional to address your specific challenges. Sessions are practical, solution-focused, and built around actionable next steps.
Lean Operations
On-site or virtual advising focused on identifying waste, improving flow, and introducing practical Lean and continuous improvement practices.
Quality Systems
Hands-on advising to review gaps, understand audit feedback, and strengthen quality practices for ISO or AS certification requirements.
Cybersecurity
Practical guidance on DFARS 252.204-7012 and NIST 800-171 requirements, self-attestation, and the path toward CMMC Level 2 readiness.
Human Resources
One-on-one HR advising to identify gaps and apply right-sized workforce practices that fit small manufacturing teams.
Food Market Development
Individual guidance to explore food and beverage market channels and build a realistic sales growth strategy.
Financial Advising
One-on-one support to help you better understand costs, pricing, and profitability — focused on your specific business questions.
Strategy & Leadership
Practical advising for owners, executives, and newer supervisors to strengthen decision-making, leadership, and day-to-day management.
Learn alongside your peers
Structured cohort programs where you apply concepts in real time and build lasting professional networks.
Strategic Planning for Manufacturers
Instructor: Vivian CampbellA hands-on strategic bootcamp for manufacturing leaders actively building and growing their businesses. Learn practical strategy tools and apply them directly to your own operations in real time, using current manufacturing challenges as the working context. Emphasizes implementation, peer problem-solving, and tailored guidance.
Supply Chain Procurement Training
Instructor: Barbara WegA foundational course for both entry-level and experienced supply chain professionals seeking to strengthen procurement knowledge and skills. Covers procurement fundamentals, sourcing strategies, supplier relationship management, negotiation techniques, performance metrics, and related best practices. Emphasis on practical concepts for day-to-day procurement activities.
Ready to strengthen your manufacturing business?
No-fee advising and training for California manufacturers — no catch, no obligation.
Start Your Application
The SBDC program focuses on advising small business clients located in the California SBDC network coverage area. Funded in part through a grant with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA or CalOSBA.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least 72 hours in advance. Contact: training@Norcalsbdc.org
Federal Funding Transparency
Funding and Financial Disclosures
The Northern California Small Business Development Centers (Norcal SBDC) is a business advisory service of the Cal Poly Humboldt’s Sponsored Programs Foundation and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S Small Business Administration.
SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the United States.
The program is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering for services or training, clients certify that they are legally eligible to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal laws and Executive Order 14218 “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders (February 19, 2025).”
As a nonprofit organization funded in part through government grants and partnerships, we are committed to openly sharing the details of our financial structure. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of our funding sources and how these resources help us serve the small business community.
Our Funding Partners
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and grants from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA or the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.
Federal Funding Disclosures
Norcal SBDC — In accordance with Section 632 of Public Law 117-328
Small Business Development Center Program
- Federal Share: 50% – $4,888,054.00
- Non-Federal Share: 50% – $4,888,054.00
- Total Program Cost: $9,776,108
SSBCI Technical Assistance Program
- Federal Share: 100% – $760,800
- Non-Federal Share: 0% – $0
- Total Program Cost: $760,800
Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program
- Federal Share: 50% – $200,000
- Non-Federal Share: 50% – $200,000
- Total Program Cost: $400,000
SBA PRIME
- Federal Share: 100% – $300,000
- Non-Federal Share: 0% – $150,000
- Total Program Cost: $450,000
