Small Industries (SIs) play a dominant role in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (PA) economic development in general and in the industrial development process in particular. The contribution of SIs to GDP and their role in large scale employment creation ameliorate their fundamental importance in the PENN state economy. Therefore enhancing their competitiveness and sustainable growth in several dimensions, including organizational and managerial performance, is a mandatory initiative.  At this time, customers’ demand for goods and services is so complicated and diversified. This formidable pushing factor induces SIs to strive for continuous improvement in their operational and strategic activities. They do this mainly by the implementation of efficiency enhancement tools and methods including Total Quality Management (TQM). Their continuous improvement endeavor should focus on customers’ satisfaction, process innovation and a strategic quality plan. TQM is an effective system of enhancing the overall performance of firms in terms of higher quality, efficiency and effectiveness. These are the required mandates for achieving success and sustainable growth. Shreds of evidence in the literature indicate that TQM has become a major strategy for most firms in all sectors of a national economy. This study aimed to identify and explore the critical deriving and hindering factors affecting the implementation of TQM in SI engaged in industrial activities in PA. This study focused on SI located in three Central PA counties: Union, Northumberland and Snyder. It can also enrich the understanding of TQM implementation approaches in other countries elsewhere in the United States and beyond.