19/08/2026
Regional News: Oregon State University Awarded $5 Million to Support Small Manufacturers
Oregon State University has received a $5 million federal award to provide technical training and business assistance to small manufacturing companies in western Oregon.
The funding comes from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Empower to Grow initiative, a national program intended to strengthen domestic manufacturing and help smaller companies remain competitive. Oregon State is one of 11 organizations selected to receive funding through the $50 million initiative.
Oregon State’s College of Engineering will work with community college partners to provide hands-on training connected to the needs of participating manufacturers. Planned instruction includes machining, welding, robotics, additive manufacturing, smart manufacturing, quality systems, energy efficiency and lean production methods.
Companies will also be able to receive assistance preparing for federal contracts and other government procurement opportunities. The program is intended to help small manufacturers improve production, train employees and compete for work that may otherwise be difficult for smaller operations to secure.
The Empower to Grow program was previously known as the SBA’s 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance program. It offers eligible small businesses free courses, customized training and individual consulting related to operations, hiring, regulatory compliance and government contracting.
SBA leadership and Oregon State officials are scheduled to tour the university’s advanced manufacturing facilities Thursday, Aug. 20. The event will include a look inside the production and training areas expected to support the new initiative.
