Manufacturer Support

Roadmap 4 Innovation (R4I) was created to carry forward the 33-year legacy of California Manufacturing Technology Consulting® (CMTC) — a trusted partner to thousands of small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) across California. R4I’s team combines the expertise, systems, and proven best practices developed under CMTC with a renewed focus on innovation, sustainability, and economic impact. Backed by seasoned industry professionals, extensive networks, and strong partnerships, Roadmap 4 Innovation offers cost-effective, top-to-bottom services — from the shop floor to the C-suite. Whether we’re helping SMMs improve production workflows, meet compliance requirements, or strengthen workforce capabilities, we are committed to delivering practical, hands-on support designed to move companies forward.

 Core Focus Areas

Roadmap 4 Innovation delivers targeted, measurable services across the following core areas:

  • Strategic Planning & Growth Alignment to help manufacturers set clear priorities, align operations and workforce strategies with business goals, and plan for sustainable growth in a changing market

  • Operational Best Practices & Efficiencies to improve productivity, strengthen operations, and ensure long-term viability

  • Compliance Readiness including quality systems, proactive safety programs, cybersecurity compliance for Aerospace & Defense, and human resources program development

  • Workforce Training to enhance employee productivity, support cross-training, and reduce hiring and onboarding costs

  • Workforce Attraction & Retention Support to help manufacturers strengthen their teams and expand economic opportunity in their communities

  • Supply Chain Strengthening through compliance expertise, production efficiencies, and performance metrics for continuous improvement

  • Upcoming Theory of Constraints Workshops (free):
    We’ll be hosting a two-hour workshop, “Intro to Theory of Constraints – Flow Solutions Program,” led by Rami Goldratt, CEO of the Goldratt Group. The session provides a high-level introduction to identifying and managing bottlenecks to improve flow, reduce inventory, and enhance delivery performance.

Planned dates include:

  • Tuesday, March 24th: South Bay (morning) & Inland Empire (afternoon)

  • Wednesday, March 25th: San Diego (morning)

New Funding Opportunities

  • Manufacturing Incentives over $20M in CapEx

  • Manufacturing Incentives under $20M in CapEx

  • Small Business Tax Credit

  • California Rebuilding Fund loan program

Santa Cruz Work’s Resources

  • Webinars and Clinics - learn about new resources and develop skills to support your business

  • CEO Works - meet with your peers once a month to discuss challenges, best practices, network.

  • Startup Support - funding opportunities for startups

  • Grant Services - let us help you with finding and winning a grant.

General Resources

Socrates Rosenfeld, CEO Jane Technologies, Inc.

SC Works has been nothing but supportive of Jane Technologies since Day 1. From hosting events to sharing resources -- SC Works has opened their network of local tech influencers, investors, executives -- and we feel so grateful to be a part of the growing tech community in Santa Cruz. SC Works symbolizes what Santa Cruz tech is all about: openness, innovation, and the ability to dream BIG. We look forward to growing our partnership with SC Works, and to be a part of the growing Santa Cruz tech community for years to come.

Anne Scholz, COO RealSeq Biosciences

We are especially excited about the funding from Santa Cruz Works to support a summer intern at RealSeq Biosciences.  Internships are a great way to get local, younger students interested in the sciences and without the extra funding we would not have been able to initiate a summer intern program.