Nonprofit Assisting New Manufacturers Coming To Hartford Area

HARTFORD, CT — A Massachusetts-based nonprofit is coming to Hartford with the goal being assisting start-up product manufacturers in their quest for profitability and success.

Gov. Ned Lamont Wednesday announced that FORGE – a nonprofit organization that connects startups creating physical products with the product development, manufacturing and supply chain resources – is establishing operations in Connecticut.

He said it will begin providing its services – free of charge – to local startups.

Since its founding in 2015, the organization has operated in Massachusetts, where it has supported hundreds of start-up manufacturers, leading to more than 5,000 jobs and $34 million to the local economy, according to Lamont's office.

FORGE will establish its Connecticut presence in Hartford.

In the months to come, the organization will embark on a statewide roadshow and participate in multiple industry events to raise awareness of its services for innovators and manufacturers, Lamont said.

“We know the critical role manufacturing plays in our economy, and connecting these resources to the startups that are driving innovation will help keep Connecticut a leader through these sectors,” Lamont said. “FORGE’s presence in Connecticut will set the stage for long-term manufacturing and business innovation.”

“Connecticut’s ecosystem provides a rich assortment of suppliers and advanced manufacturing offerings,” Laura Teicher, executive director of FORGE, said. “This complete, end-to-end ecosystem helps ensure a successful economic future for Connecticut.”

The organization’s establishment in Connecticut is supported with joint funding from CTNext, a nonprofit organization that promotes entrepreneurship, and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development through its Manufacturing Innovation Fund.

“If we invent it in Connecticut, we want to manufacture it in Connecticut,” Paul Lavoie, Connecticut’s chief manufacturing officer, said.

“Connecticut already possesses a robust manufacturing ecosystem composed of both innovative entrepreneurs and world-class manufacturers,” Onyeka Obiocha, executive director of CTNext, said.

“Too often, our entrepreneurs and startups are unaware of the capabilities residing within the state and look elsewhere to advance their product and business ambitions. By establishing a presence in Connecticut, FORGE will facilitate new connections between entrepreneurs and manufacturers, ultimately deepening the depth and breadth of our manufacturing sector and generating new employment opportunities.”

For more information on FORGE, visit www.forgeimpact.org. Inquiries about the services FORGE offers can be directed to Adam Rodrigues at adam@forgeimpact.org.