Manufacturing/On Shoring

June 30, 2025

Manufacturing, once a key sector in Rhode Island’s economy, is experiencing a renaissance. Business advisors at the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC) are available to help you fund, expand, and improve the profitability of your small manufacturing business, all at no cost. Schedule an appointment with one of our business counselors to assess your needs and develop a course of action: https://web.uri.edu/risbdc/contact-us/

Fortunately, Rhode Island has a wealth of additional resources dedicated to helping small manufacturing companies to grow, expand markets, source efficiently, and operate effectively. Below are a list of Rhode Island Manufacturing Resources.

Manufacturing Resources

Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA)

  • Overview: Nonprofit advocacy group representing approximately 1,600 RI manufacturers, focused on policy, workforce development, and public–private partnerships.

Polaris MEP

  • Overview: Rhode Island’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership affiliate, offering lean-production assistance, process improvement, tech innovation, supplier development, and workforce services.

  • Website: polarismep.org

Women in Manufacturing – Rhode Island (WIM RI)

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) – Rhode Island

  • Overview: Leading federal manufacturing advocacy organization; Rhode Island companies participate via national membership.

  • Website: nam.org

Rhode Island Commodores

  • Overview: Civic economic-development group appointed by the governor to promote Rhode Island businesses, including manufacturers.

  • Website: ricommodores.com

RI MADE (Manufacturing to Accelerate the Defense Ecosystem)

  • Overview: Polaris MEP-led consortium focused on defense-sector manufacturing, automation, robotics, and cybersecurity—supported by federal/state funding.

  • Website: polarismep.org/about-ri-made

Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network (RITIN)

  • Overview: Polaris MEP-supported network accelerating R&D in e-textiles, smart fabrics, composites, and sustainable materials; funded through CommerceRI/Real Jobs RI.

  • Website: ritin.org

Rhode Island APEX Accelerator (RI APEX)

  • Overview: Federally funded center via CommerceRI, assisting Rhode Island manufacturers with government contracting, from bid preparation and proposal writing to contract management.

  • Website: riapex.org

John H. Chafee Center for International Business

  • Overview: Rhode Island’s designated international trade/export assistance center, part of Bryant University. For 40+ years, it has supported RI companies through market research, international trade missions, STEP grant administration, strategic consulting, and events.

  • Website: bryant.edu/chafeecenter

 

U.S. Small Business Administration

Made in America Manufacturing Initiative

The Made in America Manufacturing Initiative commits to a deeper collaboration and coordination of federal agency resources designed to:

  • Increase access to capital

  • Improve opportunities for public and private investments in support of manufacturing in America

  • Help small businesses export their products on a global scale

Website: https://www.sba.gov/priorities/american-manufacturers

Make On Shoring Great Again Portal

This free tool from SBA helps connect businesses with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers. It’s built to support companies that want to onshore operations, strengthen their supply chains, and source the components they need—all proudly Made in the USA. American-made isn’t just a label. It’s a commitment to quality, security, and strength.https://www.sba.gov/priorities/american- manufacturers/make-onshoring-great-again-portal

Website: https://www.sba.gov/priorities/american-
manufacturers/make-onshoring-great-again-portal

RI SBA District Office: https://www.sba.gov/district/rhode-island