Program Updates
Manufacturing Accelerator Program
High-Growth Strategies for Manufacturers
ICIC’s Manufacturing Accelerator Program (MAP) is a new, national executive education program uniquely designed to provide small manufacturing businesses with the education, tools, and actionable strategies they need to scale and innovate in today’s competitive marketplace. MAP launched in the summer of 2025 with an inaugural cohort of 60 businesses representing 19 states across the country. Like all ICIC programs, MAP is offered at no cost to participants thanks to the support of our funders.
MAP’s 12-week curriculum was informed by ICIC’s research and an advisory board of industry experts. The program features interactive virtual classes led by manufacturing leaders and practitioners from institutions such as Harvard Business School, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the Georgia Institute of Technology. The program covers a wide range of topics—including operational excellence, access to capital, and human resources strategies—and its peer learning model fosters collaboration and innovation across regions and industries.
MAP helps manufacturers across the U.S. embrace digital transformation, adopt transformative AI tools, and implement profitable growth-oriented business strategies. By giving participants the tools and connections they need to grow, MAP aims to cultivate sustainable growth and long-term innovation capacity across the manufacturing ecosystem.
Program Director
Brian Becker, founder and CEO of Becker Growth Strategy, brings more than 12 years of experience in positioning businesses for rapid growth.
Inaugural Cohort Snapshot: Manufacturing Accelerator Program
Summary of Participants
Key Outcome
60
Small business owners participated in ICIC’s new MAP program, which prepared them to innovate, adapt, and thrive in a rapidly changing economy
The first MAP cohort included established, growth-ready businesses from across the country, with strong revenue and staffing levels.
19
States represented
$2M
Average 2024 Revenue
12
Average number of full-time employees
Alumni Spotlight
Through MAP, I’ve learned that innovation thrives in resilience, overcoming uncertainty, breaking barriers, and driving success through technology, financial discipline, and collaboration. At Global Paint for Charity, we live by our pillars, Paint, People, Planet, and Purpose, learning and building relationships to advance sustainability and expand our global mission.”
Rony Delgarde, D.P.P., MBA
Founder and CEO
Peachtree Corners, Georgia
As a biotech founder, innovation drives everything we do—from developing better drugs to improving delivery. It means finding ways to solve problems and create value by challenging existing norms. MAP has given me valuable insights and a strong network that helped me bring innovation in scaling up our business.”
POOJA TIWARI, Ph.D.
Co-founder and CEO
Atlanta, Georgia
