April 2026

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Expert Insight: Starting Small with Smart Manufacturing

It's been dominating the headlines: AI, automation and the latest advancements in robotics. According to Deloitte's March 2026 State of AI in the Energy, Resources and Industrials Industry report, physical AI integration is projected to grow from 72% to 91% of companies within just two years, with manufacturing leading adoption.

For the small and mid-sized manufacturers within Cook County, smart manufacturing may feel overwhelming. "The biggest misconception about smart manufacturing is that it requires a massive transformation. It's almost considered so big that it's hard to take those first steps," shared Michelle Drew Rodriguez, a manufacturing strategist, former IMEC board chair and 2025 Forge5 keynote speaker.

According to Michelle, the path forward isn't a technology overhaul, it's a mindset shift. "My biggest piece of advice is that success comes from being intentional, incremental and ROI-driven. First start and ask yourself: where are you losing margin, where are your bottlenecks, where are your quality issues? Identify some of your biggest opportunities and then look for ways that automation or technology can help address those issues."

For manufacturers seeking to ease into the modernization process, the Manufacturing Leadership Council has developed a simple roadmap for manufacturers looking to integrate AI into their current operations. Click here to learn more.

SBA Announces New Made in America Loan Guarantee

Starting May 1, 2026, small manufacturers across NAICS Sectors 31–33 will have a new tool to scale their operations.

The SBA’s "Made in America" Loan Guarantee (part of the expanded International Trade Loan (ITL) Program) increases the standard SBA 7(a) Loan Program guarantee from 75% to 90%.

Eligible manufacturers can use these funds to upgrade equipment, modernize facilities and expand capacity through acquisitions. Click here to learn more.

Navigate FAR Threshold Increases with Your Local APEX Accelerator

Effective October 2025, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), or the primary set of rules governing the U.S. Federal Government's purchasing process, has raised several key spending thresholds. These updates allow agencies to procure more quickly, while opening doors for smaller contractors to access a broader range of opportunities and win awards faster.

Interested in learning how the new FAR threshold increases can benefit your business? Click here to connect with a local APEX Accelerator advisor at no cost.

Illinois Innovation Vouchers: Up to $75,000 to Fuel Advancement

From developing cutting-edge products to accessing advanced labs and expert research, the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program fuels collaboration between small and medium-sized enterprises and Illinois' top higher education institutions.

Eligible businesses must be a for-profit Illinois-based business, or if not located within Illinois, employ at least 100 full-time employees in the state. Businesses must commit to remain in Illinois for the duration of research and partner with a qualified Illinois-based non-profit institution of higher education.

Innovation vouchers can cover 75% of the cost of the research engagement, up to $75,000. Vouchers can be used for several purposes including but not limited to:

• Software, equipment and supplies purchases (up to 50% of requested funds)
• New product/process development
• Implementation of new technology 

Click here to learn more, complete your application or to sign up for an upcoming informational session.

MxD Releases Outlook 2026-2028 Report

MxD has released its Outlook 2026-2028, a strategic roadmap for modernizing and securing the U.S. industrial base through digital innovation and cybersecurity.

Developed with the U.S. Department of War and industry partners, the report highlights how AI-driven advances, such as virtual reality training, are solving complex factory floor challenges. Access the public report here.

8th Annual Southworks Engineering and Robotics Olympics

The 8th Annual Southworks Engineering and Robotics Olympics returns to the South Suburban College Fieldhouse in South Holland on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Featuring high school teams competing in technical robotics challenges, the event is designed to mirror real-world industrial applications, highlighting the regional talent pipeline developed through the Southworks Integrated Education and Workforce Program.

For local manufacturers, this is an opportunity to see the next generation of local innovators and engage with students preparing for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.

Interested in tabeling or volunteering? Click the links below to sign up today.

Join the TMA and fellow local manufacturers for coffee, breakfast and networking! All manufacturers are welcome to attend.

Join Choose DuPage and fellow Chicagoland manufacturers for a webinar about the state of the manufacturing industry in Illinois. Attendees will also learn how the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA), one of the oldest and largest trade associations in the United States, is working to address key industry challenges and engage on behalf of creators and innovators.

The Manufacturing Institute invites you to join the first MFG Day event of 2026, where they will share everything you need to know to plan a successful event, reach more students and expand the impact of your efforts.

ISO 9001 implementation for small to mid-sized businesses does not have to be difficult. This webinar hosted by IMEC will helps manufacturers understand how ISO 9001 certification and implementation can help define how to establish, implement, maintain and improve a quality management system (QMS).

Join CAIC for the 2026 Economic Outlook: A Banking Perspective Luncheon led by Ian Wyatt, the Chief Economist at Huntington Commercial Bank. Mr. Wyatt is a distinguished expert in macroeconomic forecasting and industry analysis, renowned for his ability to help clients navigate economic uncertainty with confidence.

Join MxD for a webinar navigating the cultural, technical, and organizational barriers that keep IT and operational technology (OT) teams from working together. Learn the security implications of converging OT with enterprise networks and the practical strategies you can bring back to your team. 

Join the IL APEX Accelerator at SIU for this session exploring how the Navy uses the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs to fund innovation, and how your business can turn ideas into funded opportunities.

Join TMA at the 2026 Precision Machining Competition, honoring excellence in precision machining skills among Illinois high school students. Manufacturers interested in volunteering to judge student projects on Tuesday, April 14 are encouraged to contact jewald@tmaillinois.org.

Your Input is Requested: 2026 Compensation and Benefits Survey

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association and Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center invite you to participate in the 2026 Compensation and Benefits Survey.

The survey covers 180 titles across 13 job families, including plant, management and executive roles. Data will be collected on base pay, incentives and benefits like insurance and retirement.

Companies that complete the survey receive a free aggregate report and a personalized benchmarking report, a combined $1,500 value. These reports offer insights by revenue, size, and region, including Cook County and Northern Illinois.

All data is kept strictly confidential and reported only in aggregate. Please complete your submission by Friday, May 1, 2026. Survey reports will be available this summer.

Click here to complete the survey.

Have questions? Contact Megan Loberg-Simmering, IMA.

Share Your Voice: Chicagoland Small Business Survey

Help shape the future of small business in Chicagoland by participating in a regional survey led by Next Street, the Cook County Small Business Source and additional stakeholders to help improve access to capital and business support services. Your confidential responses will directly inform strategies to build a more equitable economy.

Click here to complete the brief 15-20 minute survey by Friday, April 17, for a chance to win one of five $50 gift cards.

Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership 2025 Year in Review

The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP) is proud to share the 2025 Year in Review, produced by World Business Chicago.

Notable Chicagoland highlights from 2025 include:

• #1 U.S. metro ranking for corporate relocation and investment
• 19,600+ jobs created through business expansions and new market entries
• $1.7B in worker earnings generated across the region
• Major global wins from companies like Abbott Labs and Osaka Soda
• Expanded international engagement, including a trade mission to Japan and continued economic growth

Click here to read the full report.