CHICAGO , Aug. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) is pleased to announce a new partnership with 37 Oaks to introduce a unique program to Chicagoland small business owners. The focus of this 10-week program is to educate and prepare Chicagoland small business owners for manufacturing readiness and wholesale growth through a strategically curated combination of 37 Oaks University courses, workshops, 1:1 coaching, hands-on exercises, and co-packer facility tours.
Businesses that successfully complete all program requirements will be awarded a business stipend at the end of the program. "We are thrilled to launch this one-of-a-kind opportunity for Chicagoland businesses," said David Boulay , PhD, President at IMEC. "This partnership is a step towards our collective mission to empower the next generation of manufacturers.
Through the innovative approach to learning provided by this opportunity, small businesses will be exposed to industry experts and see, firsthand, how area manufacturing facilities are structured and how they function." "Many small businesses we work with are facing significant opportunities for growth in wholesale, but they lack the knowledge, support, and readiness for this process. This can hinder the growth of small businesses that create jobs, occupy storefronts, and revitalize communities," said Terrand Smith , Founder and CEO of 37 Oaks.
"Understanding manufacturing capabilities is a crucial part of grasping the wh.