Urban Manufacturing Alliance

UMA works to transform manufacturing ecosystems into drivers of just and equitable development that puts communities first. By convening a diverse network of partners to learn, share, co-design, and scale solutions, we act as a force multiplier for manufacturing-centered economic development strategies in which people, places, businesses, and the planet can thrive.

Our three program pillars are cornerstones for ecosystem and community well-being:

• Our Catalytic Capital Pillar co-creates and delivers intentional interventions that better connect capital and technical assistance to small- and medium-sized manufacturing businesses, particularly those from marginalized communities.
• Our Inclusive Workforce Pillar takes a systems-change approach to create the conditions for more equitable manufacturing workforce ecosystems and lasting impacts for workers and businesses.
• Our Place-Based Strategies Pillar works with business-serving organizations on custom-fit engagements and strategies that confront barriers faced by owners and entrepreneurs in starting, scaling, and sustaining their businesses.

The impact of our work is enriched and magnified by our collaborative partnership model, which gives greater definition and agency to stakeholders conventionally assigned to “supporting” roles in ecosystems-based approaches. We engage those who both traditionally associate with the manufacturing sector, and - more importantly - those who do not.