A Scalable Product: Looking at Cottage Industries in America

A Scalable Product: Looking at Cottage Industries in America

From time to time, we hear about federal efforts to encourage exports or other projects aimed at balancing a massive trade deficit, but we also hear local stories about individuals who are trying to turn the tide when it comes to revitalizing manufacturing and other ‘dying trades’ in America.

One recent example is this story in CNN Living that is based on individuals who sign up for specific continuing education aimed at promoting actual industrial or manufacturing skills in order to start new businesses that make their own products on a smaller scale. As the article points out, these entrepreneurs are often competing, if indirectly, with large Asian manufacturers, which guides their business plans and outreach strategies. The article uses the example of leather crafter Scott Loeser and his plan to create one of these small businesses in the Twin Cities area. In describing the greater movement of Made in America retailers, the article cites a group called the Maker’s Coalition and suggests that some of these kinds of associations are able to foster more inventive manufacturing that sources more products stateside.

In many ways, a small hydroponics business is aligned with these kinds of goals. Growing food in a small space is one way to start out with a scalable set of products, and includes the same challenges of identifying smaller markets and selling on a smaller scale. For more on the kinds of equipment and gear needed to facilitate some of these small businesses, check out your hydroponics retailer’s website and product catalog and all of the support for small business leaders who are using an indoor or greenhouse hydro gardening strategy to bring goods to market in their local communities.