Seeding, Starting, and Scaling Local Branding Initiatives

UMA envisions an active, diverse, equitable, and interconnected community of makers and manufacturers in every region that has access to the resources and market opportunities needed to thrive. We believe the vehicle for this is a Local Branding Initiative (LBI). LBIs across the country are developing new systems that support urban manufacturing – both legacy companies and the growing new wave of businesses. These systems are being created and improved upon through collaborations and relationships among diverse stakeholders engaged in a manufacturing entrepreneurial ecosystem that is open and accessible to diverse entrepreneurs. And while no two cities, ecosystems, or LBIs are exactly the same, UMA and our partners see impacts, benefits, and growing opportunities that makes the LBI strategy one that should be replicated.

UMA’s newest report – Seeding, Starting, and Scaling Local Branding Initiatives: A study of economic development strategies that establish manufacturing entrepreneurial ecosystems – provides an in depth look at common LBI impacts, development processes, funding and financial sustainability strategies, and stakeholder roles and opportunities. The full report includes seven profiles of established LBIs highlighting unique qualities and aspects of initiatives that have been in operation for three years or more. This report was made possible with support from LISC and the participation of members of UMA’s local branding initiative community of practice (CoP).
This report coincides with UMA’s growing programmatic work helping local leaders across the country start LBIs in their communities. If you are interested in learning more about LBIs and our support service strategies, please contact Andrew. For further reading, check out our LBI ToolkitLBI Policy Brief for local elected officials, and our Moving Towards EquitableMaker Ecosystems report highlighting the opportunities for LBIs to contribute to new economic opportunities. If you are a leader of an LBI and would like to join our LBI CoP contact Eva.