Trade Ready: Strategies for Manufacturing Growth in a Shifting Global Landscape

Hosted by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida Atlantic University, this leadership breakfast is built for Stage 2 Growth manufacturing businesses looking to scale operations, strengthen strategy, and navigate the evolving dynamics of international and domestic trade.

This strategy session brings together manufacturing leaders, legal experts, financial advisors, logistics professionals, and resource partners for a morning of actionable insights, forward-looking conversations, and peer networking within the manufacturing community — focused on trade compliance, operational resilience, cost management, and emerging opportunities in a rapidly changing trade environment.

Attendees will explore key trade updates across three critical areas: legal frameworks, including regulatory shifts and compliance considerations affecting manufacturers; finances, covering trade financing, tariff impacts, and capital access strategies; and freight, addressing supply chain disruptions, carrier relationships, and logistics optimization. As a bonus topic, attendees will examine the impact of AI on trade — from predictive logistics and customs automation to AI-driven market intelligence and smarter sourcing decisions.

Whether you are looking to strengthen your trade strategy, manage risk, reduce costs, access funding opportunities, or build valuable industry connections, this event is designed to provide practical resources and meaningful engagement for manufacturers ready to compete and grow.

Networking Breakfast 🥞☕

Explore programs, tools, and services available to support manufacturing businesses all while hearing from mutiple experts in the manufacturing space through fireside chat-style session.

Expert Speakers & Industry Insights 🎤💪🏽

Discover partnership opportunities and build relationships with industry leaders, technology providers, resource organizations, and fellow manufacturers working to shape the future of manufacturing.

• AI and automation in manufacturing
• Smart factory and operational technology trends
• Business growth and scaling strategies
• Innovation and digital transformation
• Workforce development and future-ready talent
• Supply chain optimization and operational efficiency
• Emerging market opportunities and competitive advantages

Technology & Business Growth Resources 💼📈

• Learn how AI and emerging technologies are transforming manufacturing
• Gain actionable business growth and operational insights
• Explore technology strategies to improve efficiency and competitiveness
• Connect with manufacturing leaders, innovators, and ecosystem partners
• Discover funding, workforce, and business support resources
• Build meaningful strategic relationships within the manufacturing ecosystem