Small Manufacturers Institute Closing The Gap Transforming California Manufacturing Closing The Gap Developing the Next Generation Workforce Closing The Gap Enriching Communities SMI is a nonprofit manufacturingdriven institute that recognizes the needs and opportunities to service small manufacturers and school programs. Through local collaboration and regional networks we create industry models that grow profit engage local leadership revive manufacturing educational programs build skilled workers and increase economic growth to communities. Our Endeavors Fast Break The Core Program for Changing Students Lives Skillz Club Mentoring Fast Break Graduates to Increasing Levels of Sustainable Success Regional Collaboration Unlocking the Power of Value through Collaboration Apprenticeships Matching best companies their employees and interested students to critical training and credentials Our Experience Regional Networking A local leadership structure for developing value through convenience communication and sense of community CareerTech Education SMI has consistently led in the challenge of making CTE relevant within the college at all cost academic system Talent Pipeline Engine Great companies need motivated individuals with a strong work ethic and solid academic fundamentals Research and Model Development SMI performs industry surveys and partners with key content providers and associations to create relevant improvement models Manufacturing Facts USA 98. 6 of manufacturing companies are small businesses 75.