The Massachusetts Tariff Response and Business Operations Support Initiative (MA TRBO) has been established in response to the ongoing uncertainty and rapid changes surrounding U.S. federal tariffs, which continue to impact manufacturers across industries. As businesses face rising costs, supply chain disruptions and sourcing challenges, MA TRBO aims to align state support and resources to help manufacturers navigate these dynamic conditions and adapt as necessary. Our goal is to strengthen the resilience of local manufacturers through informed planning, strategic connections and responsive assistance. 

Mission:

To enable Massachusetts manufacturers to respond effectively to new and changing tariffs by understanding their full impact, helping with response plans, identifying continuity needs and supporting the establishment of alternate local/regional supply chains.

The MA TRBO Support Initiative is built on four critical focus areas:

  • T – Tariff Impact Analysis: Monitoring how tariffs are impacting Massachusetts-based manufacturers through data collection
  • R – Response Strategy Development: Facilitating resources from the ecosystem to support plans to mitigate risks
  • B – Business Continuity Support: Partner coordination and alignment with available state or ecosystem resources
  • O – Operations Support for Supply Chain Resiliency: Supporting adaptability of supply chains in new tariff environment

Engage: 

The first step is data collection, analysis and needs assessment. Please complete the survey linked below to inform us about your business and current or anticipated impacts of recent tariffs on your operations and supply chain. Please indicate in the survey if you would like to be contacted directly from someone at MassTech. 

All submitted survey responses are subject to public disclosure according to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (set forth at Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Section 10).

Complete Survey Here

Additional Resources

The Center for Advanced Manufacturing at MassTech (CAM) was launched to foster the most complete, most connected and fastest manufacturing ecosystem from innovation through production.

Workforce development is a major tenet of CAM’s work. Building and investing in talent across the state’s manufacturing industry is reflected in many of their programs, including:

  • MassMakes: Helps companies across the state grow and create jobs by connecting them with a comprehensive range of services, including financial incentives, equipment grants, workforce training programs and talent acquisition
  • MassBridge: Trains community college students to meet industry needs for today and beyond
  • Makers of a Better Future: Introduces high school and grade school students to cutting-edge technologies and associated careers in advanced manufacturing including robotics, photonics, advanced functional fabrics, flexible hybrid electronics, additive manufacturing and semiconductors
  • MassTech Intern Partnership: Offers students a concrete pathway into the industry and strengthens the state’s tech talent pipeline

Connecting Massachusetts-based manufacturers with capital is key to the success of the industry. CAM does this by offering funding via: 

The MassCyberCenter at MassTech helps sustain a diverse, vibrant and competitive cybersecurity ecosystem that enhances resiliency for public and private entities, provides workforce development opportunities and elevates public cybersecurity awareness.

Businesses across all industries, of every shape and size, from startups to legacy brands, are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The MassCyberCenter strengthens economic resiliency statewide by offering: 

Cyber Resilient Massachusetts Grant Program: funding is available for municipalities, small businesses and nonprofits to receive a grant from the MassCyberCenter for up to $25,000 to fund Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services from CyberTrust Massachusetts for up to three years  

MassDevelopment provides multiple financing support resources for Massachusetts-based manufacturers.