Photo caption: SBA Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs delivering remarks at the Expo
Small manufacturers from across Arizona convened to forge new business relationships, showcasing their products and services at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Supplier Matchmaking Expo, co-hosted with Intel.
The event focused on growing aerospace and semiconductor supply chains. It was designed to help large companies and industrial producers connect with small domestic suppliers, reshore production, create local jobs, and strengthen American industrial competitiveness in sectors critical to U.S. economic and national security.
“The Arizona Matchmaking Expo highlights SBA’s commitment to strengthening our critical semiconductor and aerospace sectors as part of President Trump’s onshoring and reindustrialization efforts. The caliber of engagement here today demonstrates the tremendous potential of small businesses to contribute to our national supply chain. Under Administrator Kelly Loeffler’s leadership, SBA is restoring our industrial dominance and will continue to do so at future expos.”
The expo drew nearly 700 registered corporate and federal buyers and suppliers, offering face-to-face opportunities to showcase capabilities ranging from precision machining and cleanroom services to advanced materials and engineering support.
Rather than the informal networking typical of trade shows, the Expo was built around structured matchmaking. Suppliers applied in advance, submitted capability profiles, and requested meetings with specific buyers. Buyers reviewed those profiles and scheduled sessions with firms that fit their supply chain needs, transforming the Expo floor into a series of focused, one-on-one business discussions.
For many small businesses, this format eliminated months of cold outreach, placing them directly across the table from the decision-makers who determine which small businesses receive contracts in major aerospace and semiconductor supply chains.
Beyond the matchmaking sessions, federal, state, and local resource partners staffed exhibit booths to help firms understand the technical and financial support available to them, from growth capital and federal contracting opportunities to workforce and export assistance.
Arizona has emerged as one of the nation’s focal points for semiconductor and aerospace activity, with major investments in chip manufacturing, defense, and space-related operations.
Today, Arizona leads the nation in semiconductor investment, supplier expansions, and job creation. Since 2020, the state has secured more than 70 semiconductor expansions, representing over $314 billion in capital investment — firmly establishing Arizona as America’s semiconductor headquarters.
In March, SBA launched its inaugural Supplier Matchmaking Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina, where over 675 small businesses connected directly with 35 large industrial buyers. Following the event’s success, SBA hosted its second Supplier Matchmaking Expo in Detroit, Michigan, which connected over 600 small business participants with three-dozen industrial buyers. About half of participants said they expect to generate more than $250,000 in business opportunities as a result of their participation.
