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2026 Manufacturing Accelerator Program Initial Application

About the Manufacturing Accelerator Program (MAP)
  • Overview: Launched in 2025, MAP is a national executive education program specifically designed to help small manufacturing businesses build profitable business strategies, maximize operational efficiency, and access capital. The program is designed by ICIC, a national nonprofit that supports small business growth across the country. The MAP program is offered at no cost to participants.
  • Structure: Through virtual classroom training, dedicated technical assistance, and peer-to-peer industry networking, MAP positions manufacturers for sustainable growth and increased profits.
  • Curriculum: MAP's 5 curriculum modules comprehensively cover all the key elements needed to be a successful manufacturing company. All classes are taught by manufacturing experts and practitioners. Read the full curriculum here.
  • Schedule & time commitment: The MAP 2026 Summer Cohort begins on Wednesday, May 20, with weekly 2-hour virtual classes. The time commitment is about 3-4 hours per week (2 hours in class, and 1-2 hours of asynchronous work). You can access the full class schedule here.
  • Interested in learning more? Join our virtual info session on Thursday, March 19 from 4:00PM - 5:00PM ET to hear directly from the MAP team and get your questions answered. 
Program Criteria
To be eligible for the MAP program, your company must:
  • Be an independent, for-profit manufacturing company
  • Have at least 10 full-time employees (Companies with less than 10 full-time employees will also be considered based on business growth trajectory and readiness to benefit from the program)
  • Represent or be located in an underserved community*
*Not sure if you meet this criteria? Apply to find out or email us at MAP@icic.org.

Once you submit the application, you may be directed to a Calendly page where you can select a time for an interview with a MAP representative. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at MAP@icic.org.
1. Is your company an independent, for-profit manufacturing company? *This question is required.

To qualify for this program, your business must be engaged in manufacturing—this includes any process that transforms raw materials or components into finished goods (e.g., food production, textiles, electronics, fabricated metal, etc.).