In a bustling city like Philadelphia, the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation thrives within the hearts of small manufacturers. These makers and micro manufacturers, though passionate about their craft, often face significant challenges in navigating the complex landscape of business management and growth.
In our continuing partnership with the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), and in support of CCPs Power Up Industry Best Practice Series, DVIRC developed the “Level-Up” Manufacturing Course Program, a new series for Philadelphia makers and micro manufacturers looking to advance, designed to assist manufacturing firms with fewer than ten employees to evolve and take their business to new heights.
Elevating Philadelphia’s Makers and Micro Manufacturers
The “Level-Up” Manufacturing Course is an innovative initiative tailored explicitly for manufacturing firms with fewer than 10 employees. It aims to empower small business owners with the skills and strategies essential for thriving in today’s competitive market. Led by industry experts, this series dives deep into various topics such as regulations, laws, customer bases, and broader essentials that differentiate successful manufacturers.
“I’ve learned so much from this program that will help grow my business to the next level.” – Josette Adams, Sequoya and Jaylins Gourmet Foods
A Holistic Approach to Business Management and Growth
At the heart of the “Level-Up” Manufacturing Course lies a hybrid course structure that combines online learning with in-person collaboration. Small teams from non-competing manufacturers convene weekly to adopt a Plan, Do, Check, and Act (PDCA) approach to business management, operations, and growth. This dynamic approach provides a highly interactive experience, with engaging lessons led by subject matter experts and real-world case studies from the manufacturing industry.
Moreover, the course features ideation exercises and powerful tools that enable participants to design and implement a vision and growth strategy tailored specifically to their unique businesses. By embracing a holistic approach to business management, these small manufacturers can overcome setbacks and proactively pursue sustained prosperity.
“Best Course Ever!” – Mark Ruffin, Black Dolls Matter LLC
A Curriculum for Empowerment
The “Level-Up” Manufacturing Course offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to take their businesses to new heights. Covering a wide array of critical topics, the course opens doors to untapped potential and growth opportunities.
The series encompasses the following transformative modules:
- Leadership Essentials for Leveling Up: Uncover the secrets to effective leadership and how it drives business growth.
- Business Strategy, Scaling Up & Defining Your “Way Forward”: Craft a clear and actionable business strategy to scale up and reach new horizons.
- Marketing & Sales 101: The Basics for Growth: Learn the fundamentals of marketing and sales to expand your customer base.
- PDCA – Plan, Do, Check and Act Performance Management: Implement a results-oriented approach to performance management.
- Visual Controls and Other Easy Ways to Measure Your Results: Discover simple yet powerful tools for measuring business performance.
- Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture that embraces change and continuous enhancement.
“I will enroll in more of these programs to benefit me as an entrepreneur and for the growth of my business.” – Dynisha Jackson, Lucky Box Accessories
A Hidden Gem for Philadelphia’s Small Businesses
For many participants, the “Level-Up” Manufacturing Course served as an eye-opening introduction to the valuable resources offered by DVIRC. This Philadelphia-based organization has spent over 100,000 hours assisting makers and micro manufacturers in thriving within the industry. Thanks to this course, entrepreneurs like Khadijah Robinson discovered a treasure trove of support.
“DVIRC is a Philadelphia gem for small businesses. I did not know of this organization until this class, but I will now use this resource consistently.” – Khadijah Robinson, Kay + Kay Group / AQUA Waterproof Headwear
A Journey Towards Empowered Business Growth
The “Level-Up” Manufacturing Course, brought to life through the successful partnership between DVIRC and the Community College of Philadelphia, has proven to be a transformative force for small manufacturers. By offering industry-specific insights, valuable tools, and a supportive community, this program empowers entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and flourish in the world of manufacturing.
As the series continues to propel small businesses forward, more testimonials of success are sure to emerge. The participants’ experiences exemplify the tremendous impact this collaborative effort has on Philadelphia’s manufacturing ecosystem. The DVIRC is pleased to have the opportunity to support the Community College of Philadelphia as they foster a community of thriving makers and micro manufacturers, ensuring a prosperous future for the industry and the city they call home.