Resources for Manufacturing

DPI Finishes - Manufacturing company with two people working together looking at schematics

Empower Your Manufacturing Business with SCORE

At SCORE, we’re dedicated to helping your small manufacturing business reach new heights. Our experienced mentors provide tailored guidance for improving processes, managing costs, and driving innovation. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, our free resources and expert support are here to propel your success—every step of the way.

How to Go From Product Conception to Manufacturing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Every product we use in our daily lives was once just an idea. Follow these eight steps to go from concept to manufacturing, and hopefully, a profit.

How to Attract Employees to Your Manufacturing Business

The manufacturing industry certainly is not dead. The jobs are here. It’s the employees who’ve moved on to greener pastures.

Designer working on product plan draft for chair with pencil in hand

Product and Service Description Worksheet

Developing product and service descriptions doesn’t have to be daunting. SCORE’s worksheet can help you write compelling copy that converts.

Group of diverse people working on packaging design of a product

Designing Product Packaging That Supports Your Brand

Here are some tips for developing product packaging that enhances your brand and helps make the sale for your small business.

Business woman leading business conversation on the phone in restaurant

Product Sourcing Tips

Product sourcing (the first step in supply chain management) is getting your new product produced, packaged and market-ready.

Warehouse with shelves of goods in cardboard boxes with employees working

Distribution 101 for Entrepreneurs

Distributors will buy in bulk (helping you generate more revenue) and help you market and promote your products. Learn how to cultivate these relationships.

Ten Tips to Becoming a Manufacturers' Representative

This is a FREE Recorded Webinar. Ten tips in under ten minutes on becoming a manufacturers' representative.

View Recorded Webinar

Manage Your Production Capacity

If you have a production-based business, managing your production capacity is critical in order to maximize both revenue and cash flow. This online workshop will help you understand your production capacity and align it to your business needs. Effective scheduling of your production will increase product availability for your customers. These concepts apply whether your company bakes cupcakes, provides auto service, or manufactures a product.

Speaker: Bret Schubert is CEO of Schubert Consulting Group as well as Integrated Team Solutions Group.

View Recorded Webinar

Real estate agent showing location to entrepreneurs as he holds a tablet

Choosing the Right Location for Your New Business

Besides cost concerns, answer these questions before you put down a deposit on the best location for your small business.

Find U.S. Suppliers in One Place

Need domestic components, materials or contract manufacturing? The SBA’s free Onshoring Portal lets you search hundreds of thousands of verified American manufacturers, producers, and suppliers—all in a single dashboard:

IndustryNet: 350,000+ U.S. suppliers of machinery, parts, and industrial services
Thomasnet: 500,000+ vetted manufacturers, sortable by location, size, certifications, and more
CONNEX Marketplace: real-time matchmaking across the entire U.S. manufacturing supply chain

Explore the SBA Onshoring Portal

Entrepreneurs Who Found Their Path with SCORE

With SCORE by your side, you don't have to go it alone. SCORE has helped countless manufacturing entrepreneurs find success in their small businesses. Discover how our expert guidance has supported small business owners in starting and expanding their manufacturing operations—yours could be the next success story!

AMS Galaxy: A Lifeline for Family-Owned Farms

AMS Galaxy: a lifeline for family-owned dairy farms. Discover how this SCORE Lancaster-Lebanon success story boosts innovation and growth.

Shannon and Mark Debner of DPI Custom Finishes

DPI Quality Custom Finishes: A Success Story Made Possible with SCORE's Help

Built from scratch while fulfilling a dream, this business grew by force of will and by acquiring a struggling company. During a promising growth phase, it was struck by a "500-year flood" disaster in 2008 which destroyed it. Shortly thereafter, the nation's economy collapsed. Through sheer hard work and determination, the owners undertook the business's recovery nearly alone and are bringing their business back. A true American success story made possible with SCORE's help.

Keeping Others Safe: An Injured Veteran's Passion

A trusted distributor of safety supplies for government contracts. Veteran-owned business with CSP & MPH expertise. SCORE mentor approved.

Wired for Success: Unishim's Story of Problem-Solving and Persistence

Jack, owner of Bagups holding full bag of trash

BagUps, Making a Difference One Bag at a Time

BagUps® EZ Trash Bag Replacements - Innovating waste management for efficiency and convenience. Veteran-owned, biodegradable, USA-made solution.

Randy and Billy posing in warehouse with orders stacked behind them

Thompson Tee

Thompson Tee creates undershirts that trap excess sweat, preventing sweat stains from ever appearing. SCORE helped owners Randy Choi and Billy Thompson with digital marketing, banking, loans, distribution channels, and more.

Client│Mentor Profile: Fontana Candle Company

Discover how SCORE transformed Fontana Candle Company into a thriving non-toxic candle brand, prioritizing health and wellness.

SCORE Success Story: Heather and Nathan Kreider

SCORE Lancaster-Lebanon: Transforming Small Businesses - The Inspiring Journey of Heather & Nathan Kreider with SCORE Mentors

Client│Mentor Profile: Steel Expressions

Discover how SCORE mentoring transformed Bob Sims' welding skills into a thriving wrought iron business. From downsizing to success, his journey with Steel Expressions, LLC. Learn how SCORE can guide your business too.

Connect with Your Local SCORE Mentor

Share your zip code to be matched with a nearby SCORE mentor who understands your community’s unique challenges. From strategy sessions to real-world solutions, our expert volunteers are ready to walk alongside you, helping you build and grow your small manufacturing business—right where you are.