About RAMP
The Reel Advanced Manufacturing Program (RAMP) is an accelerator designed to strengthen the capacity, performance, and competitiveness of Arkansas-based advanced manufacturing companies. RAMP supports emerging and growth-stage manufacturers through a proven operating framework that integrates executive-level leadership development, technical training, capital readiness, and applied learning. ​This program is presented in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and sponsored by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) connects participants to federal resources and funding while providing hands-on guidance to drive scalable growth, operational excellence, and measurable business outcomes.
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RAMP is structured for long-term sustainability through a diversified revenue model combining public funding, corporate sponsorships, and participant fees. The program is designed to become a permanent component of Arkansas’s manufacturing ecosystem—supporting ongoing business growth, workforce development, and innovation statewide.
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RAMP is presented through a cosponsored partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and is sponsored by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC)
Why RAMP?
Why Choose
RAMP?
Arkansas ranks among the nation’s leaders in manufacturing employment, yet fewer than five percent of new manufacturers receive structured accelerator support. Companies frequently encounter barriers in accessing capital, modernizing operations, strengthening workforce capacity, and integrating emerging technologies. These challenges are especially pronounced in rural and underserved communities. RAMP was designed to close these gaps and create a clear, structured pathway for manufacturers to scale, compete, and thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Program Structure & Support
RAMP operates through a four-phase accelerator model that guides manufacturers from strategic alignment to growth execution. The program integrates leadership development, operational strategy, technical training, and capital readiness into a cohesive experience. Participants receive mentorship, industry engagement, innovation support, and structured guidance through funding pathways such as TTAG and SBA programs. This comprehensive framework ensures companies are equipped not only to secure capital, but to deploy it effectively and sustainably.
Outcomes & Statewide Impact
RAMP is designed to generate measurable impact across Arkansas by strengthening manufacturers, creating high-wage jobs, increasing company revenue, and supporting innovation-driven projects. By expanding access to capital and modernizing operations, the program contributes to stronger in-state supply chains and long-term economic competitiveness.
Program Overview & Eligibility
RAMP is engineered to support Arkansas-based manufacturers navigating growth, operational complexity, and scale. Over the course of several months, participating companies engage in structured cohort learning, site-based technical instruction, and individualized coaching designed to accelerate business development, strengthen operational capacity, and deliver measurable economic outcomes. Participants complete approximately 240 hours of instruction, including hands-on learning at Arkansas manufacturing sites and one-on-one coaching throughout the program lifecycle.
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The program is guided by the 5xGOS (Five Shifts Growth Operating System), a strategic framework that leads companies through leadership clarity and vision alignment, operational reinvention and process optimization, market repositioning, infrastructure and compliance refinement, and growth execution with capital readiness.
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Eligibility Requirements
RAMP is designed for:
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Arkansas-based advanced manufacturing companies (emerging or established)
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Leadership teams able to commit to cohort participation and coaching
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Companies seeking support in workforce development, operations, compliance, strategy, or growth execution
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Organizations willing to participate in program evaluation in partnership with Philander Smith University
