On Monday, we expanded our city series to Philadelphia. We partnered with Pennovation to host Made in Philly: Product Development where local designers, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers gathered to discuss product-based business and product development. The program included a fireside chat with Patricia Blakely from the Merchant’s Fund, a keynote address from professor Andrew Dahlgren and an educational panel. Conversations covered a range of topics in creating and growing a product-based business, the importance of domestic production, budgeting, and finding the right manufacturer.
Keynote Speaker: Professor Andrew Dahlgren
Top Lessons We Learned:
- Teach Manufacturing + Tech Early:
- -“We have the Workshop School in Philadelphia running an after-school program that empowers students to run computer automated equipment to make what they need for their community.
- -“The Mast Charter School is teaching design and making at the high school level. Students get exposed to 3D printing and laser cutting.”
- Local Businesses Scale
- -“You have American Trench, who started with a personal goal of finding well-made, American trenchcoats. They have now built an entire product line on based on existing manufacturing across the country. They are now looking to invest in their own production and in local factories.”
Looking to Manufacture Locally?
Maker’s Row has over 10,000 factories listed of suppliers covering a variety of industries.
