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in every industry, including food, textile, and defense, to identify and solve key business problems. With a staff of 11 project managers and a wide network of third-party consultants, Polaris provides businesses mentorship and training in areas like shop floor improvements, ISO, marketing, succession planning, business plan development, SEO optimization, and 3D printing prototyping. “For example, if someone came to us and said, ‘During the pandemic we pivoted to make PPE, and now we want to make something in the medical industry related to PPE, how do we get the word out? How do we market and brand ourselves in that particular space?’” Mahoney says. “We have resources that could help.”

In addition to the rotating case load of 80 to 100 businesses, Polaris has two key initiatives on the horizon this year: a cyber security program to help small manufacturers complete U.S. Department of Defense requirements and a training center to expand the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining talent in Rhode Island. Mahoney came to URI in fall 2020 from the Massachusetts’ MEP program and has been struck by the state’s energy. “The collaboration here in Rhode Island is phenomenal, as is support from the state, colleges and universities,” she says. “Because the state is so small, everyone knows each other so all the partners work well together.”

401 Tech Bridge currently offers local manufacturers access to a suite of research and development equipment.

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