Virtual Reality (VR) for Small Business Demonstration Project in Partnership with Jobs for the Future

Main Street Assembly led a multi-region demonstration project to support small businesses across manufacturing, healthcare, professional services, and hospitality in adopting VR-based training solutions. Working in partnership with trusted small business intermediaries—including Chambers of Commerce, SBDCs, MEPs, and Economic Development Corporations—the initiative focused on improving workforce outcomes and business performance through immersive, technology-enabled training.

The engagement included:

• Recruiting small businesses across multiple regions and industry sectors

• Building and managing partnerships with small business intermediaries

• Advising on business goal setting and return-on-investment (ROI) identification

• Supporting onboarding, technology setup, and adoption of VR training solutions

• Designing and delivering training and implementation support

• Developing scaling and off-boarding strategies for sustained use

• Collecting qualitative and quantitative data to assess impact

• Facilitating peer learning and community-building among participating businesses

• Developing impact storytelling and case narratives

• Contributing insights and findings to multiple publications and field-facing resources
  

Pilot outcomes included:

• Improved employee retention

• Increased employee satisfaction and confidence

• Stronger overall business performance

Partner organization: Jobs for the Future (JFF)