# SBA Organizes Workforce Expo for Manufacturing Sector Students and employers connect in the manufacturing industry. - **Source:** [Small Business Trends](https://brifing.si/source/127319f9-9cc5-40fc-8c5a-f524915e7611) - **Published:** 2026-08-31 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7b85051b-cd93-4b41-897e-0a3175765305 ## Workforce Gap in Manufacturing The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is taking action to address the skilled labor shortage in manufacturing. The Manufacturing Workforce Expo, scheduled for August 26, 2026, at Atlantic Technical College in Florida, will connect students with apprenticeship and career opportunities. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler emphasized that this initiative aligns with the goal of restoring U.S. industrial dominance. ## Needs of Small Businesses Small manufacturing businesses are struggling to meet growing demand. The difficulty in finding qualified workers is seen as the biggest obstacle to sector growth. The expo aims to create a robust workforce pipeline by bringing educational institutions and local businesses together. Students will learn about well-paying job opportunities in high-demand industries. ## Collaboration with Labor Department SBA is organizing the expo in collaboration with the Department of Labor and OpenAI. Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling stated that the event focuses on equipping workers with necessary skills while fostering employer connections. Participants can gather information about workforce development programs offered by SBA and the Labor Department. ## AI and Productivity The expo will also address the integration of AI into workforce productivity. Manufacturers will explore modern approaches to optimize operations. These sessions will shed light on the industry's digital transformation and help businesses enhance their competitiveness. ## Backbone of Small Businesses 98% of U.S. manufacturers are classified as small businesses. The collaboration agreement between SBA and the Labor Department focuses on their needs. Increased data sharing and joint efforts aim to strengthen the backbone of the U.S. economy. ## Potential Challenges While the expo offers opportunities, there are also challenges to consider. Businesses must account for training costs and adaptation processes when hiring new employees. Additionally, educational outcomes need to align with the specific skill sets required by the manufacturing sector. ## Registration and Participation Expo registrations can be completed at sba.connect.space. Both business owners and job seekers have the chance to participate in this groundbreaking event. Apprenticeship opportunities offered by Atlantic Technical College present significant prospects for attendees. ## Future of the Industry The Manufacturing Workforce Expo could shape the future of the sector by bridging education and industry. Developing skilled workers will boost both business growth and U.S. global competitiveness. This initiative may contribute to economic revitalization by fostering a new generation of manufacturers. ## Sources covering this story - https://smallbiztrends.com/sba-launches-inaugural-manufacturing-workforce-expo-to-connect-workers-and-jobs/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._